Water Rate Increase Went into Effect on January 1, 2024
The Plainview Water District (PWD) is committed to providing the Plainview-Old Bethpage community with the highest quality water at the lowest possible cost. The District would like to inform residents and local businesses within its service territory that a modest rate adjustment has been established and went into effect on January 1, 2024. The increase will be used to fund crucial infrastructure improvements and treatment enhancement projects at all of its six water plant sites. In addition to the increased capital needed for treatment projects, the District is also faced with increased operating costs including rising electric costs and electrical demand, treatment chemicals, and laboratory testing and analysis.
“To ensure that the Plainview Water District consistently delivers high-quality water to residents, it is imperative to continue implementing infrastructure projects while also enhancing our facilities,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “We had to introduce minor rate adjustments in 2024 to ensure we have the funds necessary to maintain and operate the District efficiently and effectively. We don’t take raising rates lightly, but were able to keep increases to a minimum due to our team’s significant efforts in securing nearly $35 million—and counting—in state and federal grant funding.”
Specifically, the new revenue will help cover the costs associated with construction, installation and operation of new advanced oxidation process (AOP) and granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems to continue treating the community’s drinking water for 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS. Residents and businesses will receive the first quarter water bill in the month of April 2024, which will be the first bill with the new water rates in effect.
The vast majority of residents will notice a minimal impact on their bills, but this impact could become more significant with higher usage. For the average resident using 30,000 gallons of water per quarter, the new rates will result in an increase of $7.63 per quarter, or $2.54 per month. Minimal users, those using 8,000 gallons of water or less per quarter, will experience an increase of $1.50 per quarter or $0.50 per month. The District encourages all residents to consider adopting water conservation measures this spring and summer, including the installation of a smart irrigation controller, to help lower their bills when water usage reaches its peak.
For more information about the 2024 billing changes, please visit www.plainviewwater.org/billing. For other questions about the District, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.
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