From cityofterrell.org
Effective October 1, 2009, all customers of the City’s water and wastewater utility will see an increase in their water and wastewater bills. The key issues driving this increase include:
* A 9% increase in the cost of treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District
* Increases in regulatory fees charged by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,
* A need for additional funds to repair, maintain, and improve the City’s water and wastewater system
Specifically, corrosion of aging lines within the City is a significant problem which impacts the City’s ability to provide citizens with clean, safe water. Many of the City’s water and wastewater lines date back to the 1930’s, and some of these lines have seen little maintenance since that time. Further, the 9th Street Water Tower, which was built in 1955, has not received significant maintenance since 1970. For the City to be able to provide the level of water service expected by our citizens and required by the State, this tower must be replaced.
As part of this rate increase, the City will be building a new 1.5 million gallon Elevated Storage Tank and performing utility relocations along State Highway 34. This increase will also help to fund needed replacement of corroded water distribution lines in the City. These improvements will help to increase the water quality and efficiency of the utility system. The improvements will also result in enhanced water pressure to all customers, a higher level of water quality, and improved fire flow.