A message from the Department Director...  Dear Community Members:
Thanks for your interest in our 2010 Ratepayer Report. King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division, which is part of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, produced this newsletter to share information about its 24/7 mission to protect public health, the environment and the quality of life we enjoy as Puget Sound area residents. We also want to make you aware of changes in the monthly sewer rate recently adopted by the King County Council. Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, the current monthly wholesale sewer rate of $31.90 will increase to $36.10. The monthly capacity charge rate paid by newly connecting customers will increase from $49.07 to $50.45. Given the current state of our regional economy, we recognize these are considerable increases. Like the ratepayers we serve, we too are watching our budget and making efforts to do our best with less. The Wastewater Treatment Division is curbing costs and increasing efficiencies by reprioritizing noncritical projects and maintaining year 2000 staffing levels despite the addition of several new facilities. What we can’t afford to do is cut corners on the practices that have earned our clean-water utility an excellent credit rating, an outstanding safety record and a history of environmental success. The 2011 sewer rate ensures that the Wastewater Treatment Division continues to meet regulatory requirements and fiscal commitments. It provides funding to operate, maintain and improve the system so we can continue complying with state and federal environmental laws, supporting Duwamish and Puget Sound cleanup goals and safeguarding the health of our residents. It protects our bond rating so we can obtain favorable interest rates on money we borrow to make capital improvements. It also ensures continued funding for programs to recycle resources, reduce pollution and regulate the disposal of industrial waste to keep dangerous substances out of the environment. Your investment in our clean-water utility through your monthly sewer bill is vital in supporting our mission to protect public health, the environment and our regional economic goals. I hope this newsletter provides you with a solid understanding of our service to you. Sincerely,
Christie True, Director
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks | 
