East Deer increases water rates

East Deer residents soon will feel the brunt of three previous water rate increases from the township’s bulk water provider.

Township commissioners increased water rates by $1.80 per 1,000 gallons. East Deer previously charged its residents $15.50 for the first 1,500 gallons used.

“Our wholesale provider, Tarentum Borough, increased us March 1 at $1.30 per (1,000 gallons), and East Deer Township raised it an additional 50 cents to cover expenses that we have with the maintenance and upkeep of our water system,” commissioners Chairman Tony Taliani said Thursday.

The increase will be reflected in water bills that go out in April, Taliani said.

The average water use for residential customers in East Deer is between 2,500 and 3,500 gallons per month, said township secretary Chrystal Carmen. A resident who uses 3,000 gallons per month could see a water bill of about $34.60.

In December, Tarentum Council increased its rates to help pay for renovations to the borough’s aging water distribution system. Tarentum residents also are paying more in their water bills.

East Deer’s water supply is a large portion of Tarentum’s production costs, Tarentum officials say, and the borough is working toward a rate structure that accurately reflects costs incurred in supplying water to the township. East Deer pays Tarentum $4.50 for every 1,000 gallons.

A state Department of Environmental Protection report said Tarentum’s water system requires about $15 million in work. About 90% of the pipes are 100 years old.

The water contract between East Deer and Tarentum dates to the 1970s. It is automatically renewed every 15 years and doesn’t expire until 2032.

Taliani said there have been two rate increases from Tarentum within the past two years in which East Deer did not raise its rates.

“The additional money is making up for those expenses,” Taliani said.