Water rates and several fees will soon be going up for customers of the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority (EGCWSA).
Water board members approved a new rate/fee structure, which raises both residential and commercial water and sewer rates, when meeting last week.
The new rate/fee schedule will go into effect July 1, the start of the water authority’s next fiscal year. Changes will first appear on July bills, noted Gary McVey water authority director.
McVey said the increases come as material and supply costs continue to rise.
“(It’s) all the inflationary increases we’re seeing,” he added. “From 2021, we’ve seen a 300 percent increase in (the cost of) disinfectant, which is the main chemical we use. And that’s just one chemical.”
“We haven’t had a raise in several years, but it’s time,” said Mike Gibbs, board chairman.
For residential customers, the minimum water consumption charge will increase from $12.60 to $18. The minimum charge for residential sewer will increase from $10.50 to $16.
Additional water consumption will be priced at $3.49-$4.20 for each additional 1,000 gallons, while additional sewer will be priced at $4.94-$5.95 for each additional 1,000 gallons.
The minimum water charge for commercial customers will increase from $12.60 to $25, while the minimum commercial sewer charge will increase from $10.50 to 25. The same rates as residential customers will be applied to commercial customers for additional water and sewer use.
Fee increases that will also go into effect July 1 include new service administrative fees (from $25 to $50), deposit transfer fees (from $25 to $50), disconnect fees (from $25 to $50), reconnection fees (from $50 to $75 during work hours and from $100 to $150 after hours), service charges (during work hours, from $50 to $75) and grease trap inspection fees (from $10 to $15 a month).
No changes were made to the current charges for tap fees, impact fees and meter deposits.
In other news ...
﹣ McVey told board members that the authority’s unaccounted-for water numbers have been up since the deep freeze last Christmas.
“I think we have something going on that’s been undiscovered. The water loss has been up since then, “ he said.
McVey said he thinks there many be something going on, like a leak, particularly in the Skyline Zone (which includes the Skyline Drive area).
“We’re going to have to keep our eyes on these zones and see. The guys will be changing the meters in the Skyline Zone this next month, so hopefully we’ll see something,” he added.