The price of water is going up.
Denver Water’s Board of Commissioners today approved raising rates next year, the utility announced in a news release.
Denver residential customers next year will see their bills rise by about $19.14 annually, on average, and suburban water users will be hit with a $33.12 average yearly hike.
The new adjustments will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.
Last September, Denver Water raised rates for 2008, which amounted to about $13 more a year for Denverites and $21.44 more for suburbanites.
Residential water bills are issued bimonthly.
In 2009, Denver Water will need an additional $18.5 million in revenue to cover rising costs associated with maintaining and improving the city’s water system, the utility said.
Next year’s projects include the replacement and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, Hayman fire watershed-recovery work, potential enlargement of Gross Reservoir and expanding conservation education, rebates and incentive programs, Denver Water said.
Denver Water’s rates are, in part, designed to encourage efficiency by charging higher prices for higher water usage.
Details on the 2009 rates can be found on Denver Water’s website, . Customers with questions about water usage and rates can call Denver Water at 303-628-6000.
Denver Water serves about 1.3 million customers in Denver and its suburbs.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
