The Louisa County Water Authority will hold a public hearing on Aug. 12 on proposed changes to water and sewer rates paid by their 850 customers, including the town of Louisa.

Rates are slated for an increase to cover growing operational costs, and the authority proposes a new $6 monthly administrative fee.

But the authority is also lowering the base rate from 4,000 to 3,000 gallons per month. The latter change will credit customers who have historically used less water each month than the base amount.

A lot of people, especially those on fixed incomes, use way less than 4,000 gallons, said Pam Baughman, water authority general manager. This ends up saving one-third of our customers some money.

She said a rate increase is needed to keep up with state and federal regulations, and to help the authority work toward financial independence from the county government.

Were closing the gap and have made improvements to be more efficient, but those cost money, she said.

The rate changes affect customers who get their water from Northeast Creek Reservoir and the county wells in the Green Springs area. The water authority treats wastewater at the regional plant just outside the town of Louisa and at its Zion Crossroads facility.

The current base water and sewer rates are $23.56 and $35.48 per 4,000 gallons. The new base rates would be $20.13 and $29.79 per 3,000 gallons.

The water rate per 1,000 gallons would increase from $5.89 to $6.71, and the sewer rate per 1,000 gallons from $8.87 to $9.93.

Even after paying the new administrative fee, a customer using only 3,000 gallons per month would see a savings over current rates. But a customer who continues to use close to 4,000 gallons per month will pay significantly more.

The wholesale user rate per 1,000 gallons, which the town of Louisa pays, is proposed to climb from $4.57 to $5.21. The Louisa Town Council indicated last month it will wait to see what action the water authority takes before deciding whether to change rates for town customers.

The public hearing on the rate changes will begin at 6 p.m. on Aug. 12 in the public meeting room at the Louisa County Office Building, 1 Woolfolk Avenue. In-person access will be limited to the first 28 citizens who want to speak. The meeting will be streamed live on the county website and people can also call 540-967-0401 during the meeting to make comments.

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Water, sewer rates proposed to increase | News - The Central Virginian