Maui Water Rates to Increase an Average of 5% in July

Wailuku water tower, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Water customers on Maui will see their rates increase by an average 5% when the Maui Department of Water Supply implements a planned water rate increase on July 1, 2013, official said.

The increase should generate an estimated $3 million in additional revenues, “which is necessary to fund capital replacement projects and offset increases in electrical expenses, debt service, and operations and maintenance expenditures,” water officials said in a press release.

The Maui County Council approved the rates for the fiscal year 2014 budget.  DWS officials detailed the rate changes in the following rate table:

DWS officials also issued a reminder that the monthly service charge for water meters will also increase.

“For the first time since 2002, water system development fees will increase to more accurately reflect the actual cost of providing new water service,” an announcement said.

“These rates have long been inadequate for covering source, transmission, and storage costs for adding customers to the existing system,” said DWS officials.

The following table details the water system development fees for various water meter customers, based on their meter size.

***Supporting information courtesy Maui DWS.