Water rate could increase 18 per cent

The water rate study was initiated because the provincial government requires certain standards for water in the province, such as improved water lines, security around well heads, improved chlorination of the water and so on, said Mayor Ben Cleveland.

Work done in town this year was mandated by the province and the only way for the water commission to recover its costs is through raising water rates. “We recently looked at our financial position and if we don’t make some changes they’re going to be in the deficit position in the next three or four years,” Cleveland said.

The completed study will be sent to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to be reviewed and then a public hearing will take place, which Cleveland suspects will happen next spring.

If the utility board approves the recommended increase, rates will be raised over a three-year period starting with 18 per cent the first year, six per cent the next and five per cent the third year, the mayor said. “I’d like to get some people involved in the process. I’m looking for users of the water system to come to the public hearing,” he said.

The month long study was completed Dec. 1, with the last study conducted six years ago.

The basic rate is currently around $32 and the town rate is the second lowest out of 60 utilities in the province, said the mayor.

In 2007, the water rate increased to 94 cents; in 2008, it became $1.02; and in 2009, it was raised to $1.03 for every 1,000 gallons of water used.

Cleveland said people used millions of gallons less water last year, which he hopes is a result of people becoming wiser water users. The town is considering offering a water audit as well.