The rebuilding of Atlanta’s water and sewer systems is underway, and beginning with their January bills, customers will begin to see the impact of the new rate structures on their current bills to pay for those improvements. The rate structures provide sufficient revenue to cover bonds that will fund the overhaul of the city’s antiquated infrastructure.
The increases reflected in the current billing cycles are based on a combination of old rates and new rates. The next billing cycles will reflect the rate increases on all usage. The average bill is expected to rise by 25 percent. Specific language has been inserted in the bills designed to alert ratepayers about the increases:
“Your bill is based on 2003 rates, as well as rate increases that went into effect on Jan. 1 and Jan. 9. The appropriate portion of the bill was charged at the 2003 rates and the remainder at the 2004 rates. This blended rate results from your billing cycle beginning in 2003 and ending in 2004. On your next bill, all usage will be billed at new rates.”
“The City has been diligent in communicating the need for new rates to pay for upgrades ordered by federal and state regulators,” said Jack Ravan, Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management. “Atlantans understand that we must do this work to support our long-term prosperity. The revenue generated by these new rates will help the City reach its goal of having the cleanest urban rivers and streams in the country within a decade. We know our ratepayers are expecting higher bills, and we stand ready to answer any questions and address any concerns they may have.”
Customers who have questions about their bills should call the Department of Watershed Management's Call Center at 404-658-6500.
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