Scheduled water rate increase to be discussed at informational meetings

The increase applies to both the general and agricultural classes of service.

This is the third of four scheduled increases that was approved by the Kaua’i Board of Water Supply in Dec. 2011 to fund the replacements for the island’s aging water infrastructure, parts of which are as much as 80 years old. The final increase will take effect in July 2014.

The rate schedule is available on www.kauaiwater.org.

For the average customer who uses 7,500 gallons of water per month, the increase will amount to $0.12 per day or $3.65 per month, bringing their total monthly bill to $49.43.

The meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.:

DOW Manager and Chief Engineer David Craddick said, “The approved rate increases are needed to repay loans, perform the needed work, and allow the department to fund much of its future recurring system replacement work with cash instead of borrowing.”

By avoiding interest payments, the Department anticipates being able to fund almost double the amount of projects, noted Craddick.

The rate increase is in line with recommendations in a rate study prepared by consultant SAIC, which used the American Water Works Association standards to assess the Kaua‘i rate structure.

In 2001, the DOW developed its Water Plan 2020 to address needed upgrades, and is following that plan in making improvements.

The Department has done an unprecedented amount of capital improvement projects over the last decade, and much of the work has been funded through loans.

For more information, please call the Department of Water at (808) 245‑5455 during business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, please contact MJ Garasi at (808) 245‑5408 or by email at mgarasi@kauaiwater.org at least five days before the meeting.

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