CITY OF PORT WASHINGTON NEWS RELEASE
Press Contacts:
Theodore Neitzke IV, Mayor, tneitzke@portwashingtonwi.gov, 262-284-5585
Anthony Brown, City Administrator, abrown@portwashingtonwi.gov, 262-284-5585
Wastewater Treatment Plant Contacts
Dan Buehler, WWTP Superintendent, dbuehler@portwashingtonwi.gov, 262-284-5051
Roger Strohm, City Engineer, rstrohm@portwashington.gov, 262-284-2600
Rob VandenNoven, Public Works Director, rvandennoven@portwashington.gov, 262-284-2600
CITY TO INCREASE WASTEWATER FEES
PORT WASHINGTON, WI December 12, 2022 – Rate increases are needed over the next two years to finance both the previously approved Wastewater Treatment Plant projects (emergency generator, UV disinfection, blower replacement, and phosphorus analyzer) and upcoming proposed plant improvements with a combined estimated cost of approximately $8.3 million. The 2021 Planning and Rate Study (Strand Engineering) identified areas for plant improvement and developed a plan for rate increases.
The following information details the specifics of these rate increases:
- The Port Washington Common Council approved rate increases at the November 15, 2022 meeting
- The bimonthly fixed rate will increase from $38.77 to 41.28 (6.5%) and the variable metered rate from $3.46 /100 cubic feet to $3.71/ 100 cubic feet (7.2%)
Rate increases are needed over the next two years to pay for current and upcoming plant improvements which will replace equipment that has reached the end of its useful life. Plant upgrades will also meet new DNR and building code requirements, improve health and safety in maintaining the facilities, and reduce odors near the plant.
Rate increases will go into effect on January 1, 2023, and appear on the January/February sewer and water bill. The impact on an average residential customer for 2023 will be an additional $6.46 per billing period.
Port Washington’s sewer rates will remain the lowest in Ozaukee County even after the rate increases go into effect.
