Sewer rates going up in Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

Residents on City wastewater service will see a planned rate increase July 1. The City of Springfield contracts with City Utilities for wastewater services billing, so customers will notice this on August CU bills.

Sewer rates are based on water consumption. This is because the majority ofwater residents use goes down drains and toilets and ends up in the wastewater system. Springfield Cleanwater Services charges a minimum sewer bill and a specific rate for each additional ccf. One ccf equals 748 gallons.

An average residential user with a use of 6 ccf receives a bill for $26.27 per month.  Following the July 1, 2014effective date, a residential user with a 6 ccf use will go to $27.29, or a 4 percent increase.


Rate increases were approved by Springfield City Council in spring 2011, following the recommendations of a community stakeholder group appointed toconsider change to Springfield’s wastewater system, including rates. 

The Wastewater Improvements Task Force sought advice from a consultant, who proposed raising the average residential customer bill from $19.75 a month to $25.27 in July 2012. Another rate increase to $26.27 a month, went into effect July 2013. Smaller increases the next five years would bring the total monthly bill to $29 in 2017.

A task force report also included specific suggestions  – doubling the system's reserve fund to $15 million to $20 million, for example – as well as "guiding principles," such as linking ratepayer fees directly to the cost of providing service.

"Springfield must make additional investments in its wastewater system to continue meeting regulatory requirements and to protect the environment," said City Sewer Revenue Technician Kristy Haynes.