Rate Increase for Water/Sewer/Sanitation Fees
Effective July 1, 2009

Due to the severe drought experienced in the last two years across much of the State, increasingly stringent rules have been passed in the legislature which require more water system monitoring, increased measures to insure conservation and planning to protect the water resources of the State of NC. With that, the Town has been advised that residential water pricing must encourage efficient water usage. Prices must increase with increased consumption. The Town’s new pricing brings us into compliance with rates that are still lower than many of our neighbors.

Residential Water

The Town of Elizabethtown has implemented new residential water rates effective with the 7-1-2009/6-30-2010 budget period. For most customers, an increase of approximately 3% can be expected. For those residential customers using 11,001 gallons of water or more on a monthly basis, the percentage increase will be higher because the State of NC requires that water system pricing encourage conservation. Our rate per 1,000 gallons used over 11,000 gallons but less than 17,000 gallons is $3.75 versus a rate for the same water in the Raleigh area of $8.95 per one thousand gallons used.

Commercial Water

New rate tables have been adopted for commercial customers and most are expected to see a 3% increase in monthly water costs depending, of course, on usage.

Sewer Fees

A 3% increase in sewer costs has been adopted for the new budget. The same rate usage structure is in place with rates increased by 3%.

Sanitation Fees

Residential garbage collection fees will increase 3% with the monthly charge going from $15.68 to $16.15 monthly.