Water and Sewer 2022 Rate Study

West Sound Utility District is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water, sewer and wastewater treatment services to residents and the businesses we serve.  The District encompass approximately 9.4 square miles, while its Retail Service Area is approximately 15.1 square miles in size. 

The District manages the water and sewer systems with infrastructure that is new and aged. Some of the aged infrastructure is nearing its useful service life which will require replacement.  The water and sewer rate study was designed to provide an overall update of needed capital improvement projects, operations, maintenance and to asses needed revenues to address identified needs.

In January of 2020, the District entered into a Professional Service Agreement with a Rate Consultant to prepare a detailed Water and Sewer Rate Study.  

After numerous meetings, surveys, assessments of infrastructure and exchanges of information with staff, a presentation of the proposed rates and methodology for rate determination was provided by the Rate Consultants at a public meeting on the July 25, 2022.

When determining water and sewer rates, the District prioritizes:

• Treating all customers fairly and proportioning rates equitably
• Reflecting the true cost of service
• Maintaining legal defensibility
• Protecting the water and sewer system’s financial stability and its ability to provide a level of service as determined by the Board of Commissioners
• Maintaining, upgrading and replacing aging pipelines, wells, pump stations, lift stations, reservoirs, etc.
• Ensuring sufficient reserves for emergencies

In October of 2022, the water and sewer rate study was completed.  The Board of Commissioners agreed rate adjustments were needed beginning in January of 2023 to continue providing reliable water and sewer services.  The Rate Study included a phased rate increase over five-years to address needed revenues.  The water and sewer rates were designed to meet anticipated maintenance and operation costs while providing sufficient funding for water and sewer system related upgrades and replacement projects.