New City Water, Wastewater rates take effect with next bill

The City of Parsons water and wastewater rates, which were approved last summer will take effect beginning with the water bills you will receive the first of February.

According to the city records, the water rates in Parsons have not increased since December 2000. In addition, wastewater rates have not seen an increase since 2005. Both rate increases are designed to boost revenues in the utilities in order to begin making improvements to the aging infrastructure while maintaining current services.

So what does this increase mean to residents? City staff took an in-depth look at the rates and developed examples of average water bills to allow residents to gauge what to expect when bills are mailed next week:

Minimum 1,500 gallons or less
For instance a household with a minimum usage of 1,500 gallons, traditionally would have paid $35.80 total ($12.00 for water, $9.50 for 1,500 gallons Sewer, $2.50 for storm water and $11.80 for sanitation). Under the new rates, a minimum water user can expect a $3 increase.

2,500 gallons
A household with a water usage of 2,500 gallons, traditionally would have paid $43.10 total ($16.22 for water, $12.58 for 2,500 gallons Sewer, $2.50 for storm water and $11.80 for sanitation). Under the new rates, a 2,500 gallon water user can expect a $7.50 increase.

5,000 gallons
With a water usage of 5,000 gallons, traditionally residents would have paid $63.80 total ($26.74 for water, $22.76 for 5,000 gallons Sewer, $2.50 for storm water and $11.80 for sanitation). Under the new rates, a 5,000 gallon water user can expect a $13.80 increase.

Larger Household, 7,500 gallons
For a larger household, water usage is estimated at nearly 7,500 gallons. Prior to January 2010, this family would have paid $79.50 total ($37.26 for water, $27.94 for 7,500 gallons Sewer, $2.50 for storm water and $11.80 for sanitation). Under the new rates, a 7,500 gallon water user can expect a $25.10 increase.

Residents should be aware that examples listed above are purely estimates for usage based on the new rates. Actual usage will be used to calculate your rates, which can be found on your monthly utility bill.

For a sample water bill showing changes or more examples of the former rates versus new rates in water and sewer rates, go online to www.parsonsks.com. If you have questions regarding the rates, call the water office at 620-421-7010.