Beginning this summer, the wastewater utility bills of Noblesville residents will increase 3.7 percent. Prices also will increase the following two years to meet federal requirements and increase capacity to accommodate a growing population.
“It’s required for operational costs,” city attorney Mike Howard said. “These are unfunded mandates of the clean water acts.”
In 2007, the city began a 15-year long term control plan as a result of requirements and mandates instituted by the State of Indiana and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Noblesville LTCP has been divided into five phases and is estimated to cost $67 million total. Two of the phases have already been completed, and the final part of the third phase will begin this year.
“We are well past 50-percent completion and ahead of schedule as far as compliance,” Howard said.
All communities with combined sewer systems must comply with these requirements due to state and federal law; however, they are unfunded requirements meaning each community must pay for them.
In addition to meeting the state and federal requirements, Noblesville has had to expand its wastewater infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population. From 2000 to 2010, the city’s population increased 82 percent and the growth of the city continues.
In order to complete the state and federal requirements as well as provide the necessary increases in infrastructure to accommodate increased demand on the wastewater system, the Noblesville Common Council unanimously approved a 3.7 percent increase of the wastewater utility bills which would be phased in beginning in July 2013.
“All rates across the board are being raised by the same percentage,” Howard said.
A flat, monthly fee for each single family residence and residential duplexes with separate meters will be charged $35.04 beginning July 1; $36.34 on July 1, 2014; and $37.68 on July 1, 2015. Non-residential parcels shall be charged a rate based on meter size and monthly flow charge (per 1,000 gallon).