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Jersey Shore Area Joint Water Authority residential customers will reach deeper into their pockets to pay their bills starting next year.
The increase can be attributed to different factors including upgrades to the Pine Creek and Larrys Creek Filter Plants, according to Eric Johnston, authority manager.
Increases will vary based on residential usage as follows:
• 1,000 gallons, $29.13 to $33.19, 14% increase.
• 2,000 gallons, $33.07 to $41.19, 25% increase.
• 3,000 gallons, $37.01 to $49.19, 33% increase.
• 4,000 gallons, $40.95 to $57.19, 40% increase.
Contrary to what has circulated around social media, water bills are not increasing by more than 100%, Johnston noted.
"We are not even close to 100%," he said. "Our average water bill usage is about 3,000 gallons a month."
The Authority serves nearly 2,500 customers.
The increased costs can also be attributed significantly higher insurance, heating, chemical and electrical costs.
Pine Creek Filter Plant repairs and upgrades are expected to be about $2.6 million. The Larrys Creek Filter replacement project is expected to amount to $5.4 million.
In the meantime, grant money is being pursued to help fund the projects, Johnston said.
The decision to implement rate increases was not done without much consideration, he added.
"We have turned over every stone possible to save money," he said. "We have done our due diligence."
More information about the rate increases can be found on the Authority website at https://jerseyshorewater.com/.