Chatham-Kent’s public utilities commission approved an increase to its water and wastewater rates on Monday.
An average household of four will pay an extra 69 cents per month for water, plus an additional $1.03 for wastewater, general manager Tim Sunderland told commissioners during the virtual meeting.
Last month, the commission gave public notice that it was considering the new rates.
The hikes are one cent per cubic meter for water consumption, and 54 cents per month for water on a fixed charge for residential service.
For wastewater, the increase is three cents per cubic meter, and 57 cents per month for wastewater on a fixed charge for residential.
Septage treatment charges increased from eight cents to nine cents per imperial gallon. Raw water users will see their consumption charge rise from 45 cents to 55 cents per cubic meter.
In February 2020, commissioners approved the six-year water and wastewater financial plan on which these annual rates and fees are based.
A staff report stated the increases are necessary to cover treatment and delivery costs for water and wastewater, as well as provide sufficient funding of 2023 operations, maintenance, lifecycle and debt financing costs.