Detroit Water Rates Expected To Rise 8.5 Percent

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Newly released figures say Detroit Water and Sewerage Department customers are expected to see rates jump an average of 8.5 percent this year.

Though water usage is down with a smaller population, fixed costs are on the rise -- including repairs and infrastructure, operating and financing costs.

Although water rates have increased by at least 8 percent for the last four years, this is the first increase since suburban representatives joined the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners. Last February, a deal was reached to include one member each from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties on the board.

The department serves about 4 million customers in southeast Michigan. The rate changes are part of the department's strategy to recoup more money through fixed costs rather than water sales.

A review of the new payment structure is planned for this week.

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