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Homer water-sewer report cites roughly 43% system loss; board hears proposal to raise rates
Summary
Water and sewer staff reported about 43% loss across village water production and discussed 14,000 gpd pumping at Kinville and roughly 42,000 gpd excess inflow; the board heard a recommendation to raise the water rate by $0.15 per 1,000 gallons (to about $3.00) and accepted the report.
Keith, speaking during the water and sewer report, told the board that Kinville is pumping about 14,000 gallons per day and that this figure implies roughly 42,000 gallons per day of excess flow elsewhere in the system, producing an overall loss of about 43 percent across the village’s water system. "We're about 43% loss on the whole village," Keith said, and explained that meter-reading and billing differences make the numbers complex.
Keith said the village sells about 225,000 gallons per day (billing figure) while the meter at the city indicates larger amounts going to the city for sewer billing; the mismatch and intermittent leaks make measuring inflow/infiltration difficult without costly full-system cameraing. He said recent repairs (a James Street leak) reduced pumping by roughly 25,000 gallons when it was fixed.
To address costs, Keith recommended a 15-cent per 1,000-gallon increase in the water rate, raising the charge to about $3.00 per 1,000 gallons (roughly a 5% increase). Board members discussed whether to approve annual small increases (1–2%) versus larger adjustments less often. The board accepted the water and sewer report; a formal, detailed rate ordinance or final vote on a rate change was not recorded at the meeting and timing for any rate change was not specified.
