Marshfield Utilities seeks water rate increase for infrastructure improvements
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Utilities is seeking an increase in water rates to cover the costs of several projects to ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water for its customers. The utility has filed a petition with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for the rate increase.
If approved by the PSCW, the average residential bill for water consumption will increase less than $3 per month to about $22, and the public fire protection charge will increase less than $1 on a property valued at $100,000.
“We know that no one likes to see their rates go up,” said Marshfield Utilities General Manager Bob Trussoni, “but it’s crucial that we make the necessary investments in our infrastructure so that we can continue to provide the water quality and reliability that our customers expect.”
Recent and upcoming investments for Marshfield Utilities include:
—Purchase of new water meters.
—A new water tower.
—Replacement of a forced draft aerator at the water treatment facility.
—A new well.
—Testing pipes for lead and copper.
—Replacement and lining of water mains.
The projects that have been completed have increased Marshfield Utilities’ investment in the water system infrastructure by over 20 percent since 2011.
“These are all important long-range projects that are needed to maintain a water system that will be dependable well into the future,” Trussoni added. “In the case of the water main replacement, some of the existing mains are approaching 100 years of age.”
The PSCW has performed a cost of services study to determine the rate increase. Marshfield Utilities customers will have a chance to address the PSCW during a Rate Case Hearing scheduled for Dec. 9, 2015, at 3 p.m. at Marshfield Utilities, 2000 S. Central Ave., Marshfield.
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