The City of St. Charles has not experienced a water and sewer rate increase since January 1, 2006.  Effective September 1, 2009, rates increased for all residential and commercial customers citywide. 

Increases in water and sewer rates will help pay the current cost of operating the city’s water system, and sanitary sewer system.  Expenses necessary to operate the systems now exceed available revenues.

The average city residential customer who uses 10,000 gallons bimonthly will see a monthly increase of $4.05 for water and sewer combined usage.  The rate structure for city and county users will be reflected as follows:

                                         Existing Rate         New Rate
City                                       (per 1,000 gallons usage)
. Water Rate                            $1.98                   $2.14
. Sewer Rate                            $2.36                   $2.81
. User Fees                              $4.00                   $5.00

County
. Water Rate                            $2.83                  $3.30
. Sewer Rate                            $3.07                  $4.40
. User Fees                              $5.00                  $6.00

Critical infrastructure improvements to the city’s Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Facilities and Utility System are necessary and plans are proceeding.

An additional rate increase will be necessary to support these long-term infrastructure needs.  The infrastructure improvements are currently scheduled to commence in early 2010, which requires additional modified rates to be in place.