Harrison water authority customers to see 5% rate hike in 2022

Customers of the Harrison Township Water Authority will see a 5% increase in their rates beginning Jan. 1, the authority announced.

The authority said in a recent press release that it is increasing the cost of water because of inflation; increased costs for chemicals, health care, fuel and employee pay; to comply with new drinking water regulations; and to improve and replace treatment equipment and water lines.

In a notice to customers, the authority said that the cost of treatment chemicals has increased by 45%. No details were given on the drinking water regulations cited by the authority or how they effect costs.

The authority, which serves about 4,800 customers, noted it is the first rate increase since 2016. An authority representative could not be reached Wednesday.

The authority said about 25% of its customers receive a minimum bill. That cost will increase from $55.32 per quarter to $58.08 — an additional $2.76 per quarter, or 92 cents per month.

For a family using 15,000 gallons of water, the quarterly cost increase is $5.46, or $1.82 per month. The total amount of such a bill, before and after the increase, was not provided.

The authority said it has continued efforts to improve the water system by replacing water mains in various areas of the township. Updated telemetry and customer metering equipment has been installed so the authority can more effectively monitor the system.

No information on any projects planned for 2022 was provided.

To avoid increasing rates, the authority said it has obtained federal and state grants and low-interest loans. Staffing levels have been held at or below what they were when the authority was formed in 1987, and the authority said it has saved money by performing projects with its own staff instead of outside contractors.