Local Water Rates Increase 9.5 Percent

Water rates in Harrison are increasing again this summer—this time a more manageable 9.5 percent.

Although not ideal, the increase is an improvement on last year's 28 percent rate increase. At that time the Westchester Joint Waterworks—which supplies water to Harrison and several surrounding communities—was struggling to climb out of a $1.7 million debt built up over previous years. A 25 percent increase in rates from New York City, which supplies the WJWW its water, didn't help either.

Although the rate increase a year ago balanced the WJWW financially, officials had feared another last minute rate increase from New York City's Water Board. In April, Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh said rates could —maybe more.

Instead, the New York City Water Board set this year's rate at 5.6 percent, allowing the WJWW to keep the increase for customers below 10 percent.

Walsh said the additional 3.9 percent rate increase will be necessary to cover maintenance costs and pipe checks. The WJWW is also installing a new system that will help detect leaks within its system more quickly.

For the last four years the WJWW increases have been tied closely to increases from New York City's Water Board. In 2009, when water rates from New York City increased only 2 percent, rates were upped locally 9 percent. Last year the cost of buying water increased 25 percent and local bills increased .

Rates from New York City could change to 7.3 percent if more than an allotted amount of water is used. For that reason the WJWW distributed a press release late last month urging customers to monitor their water use and check for leaks.

The rate increase will be charged after the first meter reading after July 1. Until a reading is made, the previous water rates will remain in effect.