LIHUE — The Department of Water will hold informational meetings over the next few weeks to discuss the scheduled 11.2 percent water rate increase that will take effect on July 1. The increase applies to both the general and agricultural
LIHUE — The Department of Water will hold informational meetings over the next few weeks to discuss the scheduled 11.2 percent water rate increase that will take effect on July 1.
The increase applies to both the general and agricultural classes of service.
This is the third of four scheduled increases that was approved by the Kauai Board of Water Supply in December 2011 to fund the replacements for the island’s aging water infrastructure, parts of which are as much as 80 years old. The final increase will take effect in July 2014.
The rate schedule is available on www.kauaiwater.org.
For the average customer who uses 7,500 gallons of water per month, the increase will amount to 12 cents per day, or $3.65 per month, bringing their total monthly bill to $49.43.
The meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.:
• Tonight — Lihue Neighborhood Center
• Thursday — Kapaa Neighborhood Center
• Friday — Koloa Neighborhood Center
• Sunday, June 30 — Kilauea Neighborhood Center
• Tuesday, July 2 — Kalaheo Neighborhood Center
• Wednesday, July 3 — Hanapepe Neighborhood Center
• Friday, July 5 — Waimea Neighborhood Center
“The approved rate increases are needed to repay loans, perform the needed work, and allow the department to fund much of its future recurring system replacement work with cash instead of borrowing,” said DOW Manager and Chief Engineer David Craddick.
By avoiding interest payments, the Department anticipates being able to fund almost double the amount of projects, noted Craddick.
The rate increase is in line with recommendations in a rate study prepared by consultant SAIC, which used the American Water Works Association standards to assess the Kauai rate structure.
In 2001, the DOW developed its Water Plan 2020 to address needed upgrades, and is following that plan in making improvements.
“The Department has done an unprecedented amount of capital improvement projects over the last decade, and much of the work has been funded through loans,” according to a press release.
For more information, please call the Department of Water at 245-5455 during business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
