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NEWPORT – Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County (PUD) is proposing rate adjustments for eight of the nine water systems it manages, with changes set to take effect in early 2025, according to a news release from the PUD. These proposed adjustments are necessary to ensure that each water system remains financially sustainable while continuing to provide safe and reliable water service to its more than 600 customers across the county.
With the proposed changes, monthly base rates will increase by $3 to $15, depending on the system’s specific financial and operational needs. These adjustments reflect rising operational costs and necessary infrastructure improvements.
Water System Proposed Monthly Rate Changes: Granite / Sacheen: From $89 to $92 (Increase of $3) Greenridge: From $89.50 to $100 (Increase of $10.50) Holiday Shores: From $62 to $65 (Increase of $3) Lazy Acres: From $62 to $70 (Increase of $8) Riverbend: From $100 to $105 (Increase of $5) Riverview: From $85 to $100 (Increase of $15) Sunvale: From $70 to $80 (Increase of $10) Metaline Falls: From $81.50 to $85 (Increase of $4.50) “Reliable, high-quality water ser- vice doesn’t come without significant investment,” said Sarah Holderman, Director of Customer Service for the PUD. “As costs for operation continue to rise, these adjustments are necessary to ensure that our water systems are financially stable and able to continue providing water you can trust. We understand the impact of these changes, and we are committed to being transparent with our customers about why they are needed.”
The proposed rate increases will vary by location, based on the specific needs of each water system. For example, customers in Riverview will see a higher increase of $15, which reflects the greater costs associated with purchasing and maintaining their water treatment plant.
In contrast, systems like Granite/Sacheen and Holiday Shores will experience more modest increases of $3 to $5 due primarily to inflationary cost increases.
The PUD held annual meetings in November for customers in each water system, where the proposed rates were discussed. All water customers received invitations to these meetings, which offered a platform to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about the financial challenges facing their water systems.
The PUD Board of Commissioners were presented with these proposed rate changes during a public hearing on Dec. 3 and will vote on the final adjustments at the Dec. 17 board meeting. Customers are strongly encouraged to attend the board meeting or provide their feedback before the final decision is made.
“We understand that rate increases can be challenging,” said Holderman. “While these adjustments are necessary to ensure the longterm sustainability of our water systems, we remain committed to supporting our community through available assistance programs. If you need help with your bill, please contact our office and speak with a customer service representative.”
For more information about the proposed rate adjustments or to provide your input to the Board, contact Pend Oreille PUD at 509-447-3137 or information@ popud.org.
