Suffolk County Water Authority rates are rising $4.68 per quarterly bill, or $18.72 annually, for the average customer, as of June 1.
“Our rate consultant had recommended a considerably higher bill increase, but the board was able to bring it down to just $1.56 per month by having our departments conduct a rigorous search for efficiencies,” CEO Jeffrey W. Szabo wrote in a message to customers.
Mr. Szabo also noted that a rate increase usually takes effect April 1, but the increase was delayed due to the “tough economic times.”
The water authority has also increased the threshold at which a higher usage rate kicks in for customers with a 1-inch meter or smaller, which is 98 percent of all customers. Known as the conservation rate, it is a higher charge per centum cubic feet of water for above-average water users. The rate had kicked in above 105 CCF per quarter, but the threshold has been increased to 120 CCF per quarter, a difference of about 11,000 gallons.
The water authority is now offering a balanced billing option for the first time. Based on past water usage, customers can pay the same rate each quarter to avoid a much higher bill for summer water use, which is generally higher due to lawn irrigation.
For more information on balanced billing, call 631-698-9500.
Staff Writer on May 31, 2021