A message from the Division Director...
Dear Community Members:
For nearly 50 years, King County’s clean-water utility has played a leading role in protecting the natural resources that support the region’s unparalleled quality of life.
Our legacy began with the cleanup of Lake Washington and continues today through our 24/7 commitment to oversee, upgrade and maintain the wastewater treatment system that serves 1.5 million people and protects public health and the environment for the Puget Sound region.
Each month, you invest in this remarkable pollution prevention system through your monthly sewer bill.
The Ratepayer Report was developed to inform you about our services, and to make you aware of a proposed rate increase of $3.75 to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013. Under the proposal, the monthly wholesale sewer rate of $36.10 would increase to $39.85. The capacity charge of $51.95 that newly connecting customers pay in addition to their monthly sewer rate would increase by $1.55 to $53.50.
The 2013 rate proposal ensures that the Wastewater Treatment Division keeps meeting regulatory requirements and fiscal commitments. It provides funding to maintain compliance with state and federal environmental laws. It supports Duwamish and Puget Sound cleanup goals, ensures continued funding for programs to recycle wastes to resources, and safeguards the health of our residents through industrial waste controls. Finally, our rate supports our excellent credit rating so we can continue to obtain favorable interest rates on money we borrow to make capital investments.
I hope this newsletter increases your understanding of our utility’s commitment to service excellence and environmental stewardship. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and welcome your questions and comments.
Yours in clean water,
Pam Elardo
King County Wastewater Treatment
Division Director
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