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Water & Sewer Rate Increase
On November 1, 2023 the Lockport City Council voted to amend the water billing structure and rates beginning with the December 15, 2023 meter reading. The most recent water usage fee structure change was in 2018.
The City of Lockport Staff and Council along with engineering consultant, Baxter & Woodman, worked through long-term facility needs and determined what rate increases are necessary to provide financially sound, fair, and equitable utility funding while maintaining a proactive stance toward facility improvements.
Water and sewer users can expect the new rates applied on their January 2024 water bill with payment due by January 15, 2024.
Find Your New Water and Sewer Rates
The average residential user (4 kgals) will see their water and sewer bill increase by 7.5% beginning with the December 15, 2023 meter reading (bill due January 15, 2024). You can estimate your future monthly and annual water and sewer expense by following the instructions below:
1. Looking at your current Utility Bill, locate the number in the Consumption column. This is your meter reading for kgals used.
2. Using the Water & Sewer Bill Rate Comparison Chart found at the links below, locate the kgal column that matches your current Utility Bill Consumption. Your monthly totals for 2023 v. 2024 (based on that consumption) are highlighted in gold; your 2023 v. 2024 annual totals (based on that consumption) are highlighted in green.
NON- SENIOR, RESIDENTIAL WATER & SEWER BILL RATE COMPARISON
SENIOR, RESIDENTIAL WATER & SEWER BILL RATE COMPARISON (Anticipated senior discount rate, up for approval at the November 15, 2023 City Council meeting.)
There is no longer a minimum water and sewer usage fee. In the new fee structure, water and sewer users will be charged the fixed surcharges plus the rate for their usage.
Water & Sewer Rate Increase FAQs
Q: Why is a water & sewer rate increase necessary?
A: The City’s water and sewer rates needed to increase to maintain a financially self-sustainable Water and Sewer Fund. The proposed rate increase will fund wastewater treatment plant infrastructure improvements and address future wastewater treatment needs. Additionally, funds will support the replacement of our aging water main distribution system.
Planned improvements will be made in the following areas:
Q: When will the proposed improvements take place?
A: Preliminary project planning is underway and construction will begin in 2025 and be completed by 2030.
Q: What would happen if we didn’t make these wastewater and water main improvements?
A: Facility improvements to the water system and the expansion to the Division Street Treatment Facility are needed to stop deterioration and proactively ensure these systems are sustainable for the future of Lockport.
Q: Is there a water and sewer minimum usage fee with the new fee structure?
A: There is no longer a water and sewer minimum usage fee. In the new fee structure, water and sewer users will be charged the fixed surcharges plus the rate for their usage.
Q: What factors are considered when determining the water rate increase?
A: Baxter & Woodman Engineering Consultants conducted an extensive water and sewer rate study based on the following criteria:
- Cost of Service Analysis: Determine operations and maintenance, Capital Improvement Project costs, and debt service to operate the water and sewer utility, now and through FY 2031.
- User Group and Rate Structure Analysis: Identify the major tiers of users in the City and assess their sufficiency and sustainability to fund the City’s utilities.
- Rate Stabilization Analysis: Determine what rate increases are necessary to provide financially sound and fair utility funding while maintaining a proactive stance toward future infrastructure.