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MILL HALL -- Suburban Water Authority has approved a 4 percent increase for its water services, effective billing date Jan. 31, 2023.
Suburban Water Manager Greg Mayes cited increased costs over the past five years for the move, approved by the authority's board at its Jan. 18 meeting.
"Our most significant cost and cost increases over the past five years are what we pay for the water our customers consume," Mayes said.
According to a release from Mayes and the authority, the costs associated with the Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority are shared between the City of Lock Haven and the authority based on consumption.
"While the amount of water used annually by Suburban has not increased, the cost over the past five years has almost doubled," Mayes said.
In 2018, Mayes said the cost for water was $276,239.16. In 2022, the cost for water was $545,322.66.
"And now, with the City of Lock Haven's initial phase of dam improvements -- scheduled to be completed in 2023 -- we will share in the cost of a $5 million loan to be finalized by year end."
According to Mayes, the continued improvements to the city's two reservoirs -- which were required by the Department of Environmental Protection -- it "could mean as much as an additional $20 million in additional loans we will be in part responsible for."
"With an eye to the future, we are planning moderate rate increases over the coming years to accommodate future debt service," Mayes said. Suburban Water Authority serves roughly 3,000 customers in Mill Hall, Flemington, Woodward Township, Bald Eagle Township, Salona, Mackeyville, Dunnstown, Farrandsville, Queens Run, Allison Township and a some customers in Castanea and Lock Haven.
Suburban Water Authority's last rate increase was on Oct. 1, 2008.
The City of Lock Haven is rolling into year seven of its continued efforts to improve its two largest reservoirs -- Boyd R. Keller Reservoir in McElhattan and Warren H. Ohl Reservoir in Loganton.
The $27.6 million project is meant to meet the Department of Environmental Protection requirements. According to DEP's updated requirements, the dams must be able to hold more than they currently can.
The project, being done in phases, is currently in phase one -- improvements to Ohl Reservoir.
The cost to improve Ohl is estimated at $5 million and includes the extension of its parapet wall to hold more water if necessary.
Improvements to Keller will cost an estimated $15 million, with the entire structure being rebuilt to ensure it can hold its own water supply and Ohl's in the event of a failure. The project also includes reconstruction of its spillway.
Rounding out the large project was the creation of supplemental water wells in Wayne Township in the Youngdale Road area of McElhattan near McKinney Road. Representatives of GDF previously told city council and administration the wells will supply customers during Keller's reconstruction. They may also serve as supplemental water sources in the event of droughts in the future.
The entire reservoir improvement project should be completed by 2026.