The Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved a 5.5 percent water-rate increase for 2012 on Wednesday, citing a need to address its aging infrastructure.
The new water rates, which take effect in January, will increase the average city customer’s bill by $1.62 a month. Suburban bills will increase by $2.84 a month.
Pipe replacements and completion of major valve proj ects at Cheesman and Williams Fork dams will receive the bulk of the additional revenue. In addition to improvements, Denver Water plans to use the revenues to address future capacity issues, such as furthering its recycled-water system, enlarging Gross Reservoir by 18,000 acre-feet and developing gravel pits that store reusable water.
After the rate hikes, Denver Water’s rates will be the fourth-lowest in the Front Range, the utility said.
Weston Gentry, The Denver Post
