Clean Water Services projects modest rate increases; North Plains customers face $4.28 monthly rise in 2027

Clean Water Services presented a cost allocation study and rate projections to the North Plains City Council on April 6, outlining the district’s planned capital program and the near-term impact on North Plains residential customers.

Kathleen Leader, Clean Water Services’ chief financial officer, said the district’s current monthly residential charge of $66.95 would increase to $71.23 in 2027 — a $4.28 monthly increase — and that the district has aimed to maintain modest rate increases averaging under 4% annually over the past decade. She explained the district distinguishes between regional services (treatment plants and major infrastructure) and local services (smaller sewer lines and stormwater facilities), and noted local program rates for smaller communities like North Plains would not initially cover full operational costs.

Leader described a capital program that includes about $754 million planned for sanitary sewer projects over five years (about 90% regional, 10% local) and $117 million for surface water management (about 76% regional, 24% local). The financial forecast in the presentation showed the district expects to use reserves through 2031 before rates generate surplus to rebuild reserve funds.

Councilors asked questions following the presentation; staff and district representatives said the analysis was completed to ensure equitable cost allocations and to plan for required regulatory and capital investments. The presentation did not result in any council vote or decision at this meeting.