City and County of Honolulu News Releases

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REVISION TO WATER RATE SCHEDULE PROPOSAL (Fri., October 28, 2011)---The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) will be undertaking a further water rate study regarding its proposal to increase the water rates and charges. The previous proposal to fund the operation, maintenance, and replacement of Oahu's aging water infrastructure was presented at a public hearing on August 22, 2011.  No action was taken by the Board of Directors at that time.  Thus, the rate adoption process will continue, including the scheduling of another public hearing. The BWS's original proposal, announced in July 2011, was for a 9.65 percent increase per year over the next five fiscal years.  If adopted, it was scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2012.  Upon the completion of the further water rate study, the BWS will again initiate public outreach and comment on the revised water rate proposal.  Media advisories and a public notice will be issued to announce the proposed rate schedule, and the date for another public hearing. The BWS maintains nearly 2,100 miles of pipeline servicing nearly every community on Oahu.  Forty-seven percent of these pipelines are more than 40 years old.  Other components essential to the water delivery system are also in need of proactive maintenance.  This includes 94 potable water sources, 90 booster pump stations, and 170 potable reservoirs.  The proposed rate increase will allow the BWS to accelerate the implementation of a multi-year capital improvement program that provides for the renewal and replacement of core components of the BWS's water system and to ensure continued service. 30-   Contact: Kurt Tsue, Board of Water Supply, 748-5320.