The Third of Three Rate Increases Becomes Effective October 1, 2008
September 29, 2008
Ashburn – On October 1, 2008, the 3rd rate increase of a planned three-year increase takes effect for Loudoun Water’s central system customers. Water rates will increase by 6 cents per thousand gallons while sewer rates will increase by 9 cents. The peak use charge will increase by 9 cents as well. Basic charges will remain unchanged. The main driver for the rate increase is the cost of operating Loudoun Water’s new Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility, a state-of-the-art treatment plant that reclaims wastewater to the limit of technology, for the protection of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. This facility began reclaiming water in June of this year.
The rate increase was originally voted on by Loudoun Water’s Board of Directors in July of 2006, when the first increase took place. That was the first time in 15 years that Loudoun Water raised water and sewer rates.
Customers who use an average amount of water each quarter (approximately 233 gallons per day per home) will see about a $3 increase in their quarterly bill for winter use and about a $5 increase for summer quarter bills. Shaving 8 gallons from daily water use each day could offset the difference.
Only Loudoun Water’s central system customers are affected by the new rates. This includes those customers who live in the suburban eastern portion of the county, generally east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), with minor exceptions. It excludes Loudoun Water’s Community Systems customers who live in hamlets or villages served by community wells.