Augusta announces water rate hike

A water tower stores water for Augusta Utilities.

Date: December 24, 2024

Augusta Utilities is raising water rates by 4.5%, the department said in a statement Monday.

The increase, which is effective Jan. 1, was “previously discussed” along with the issue of water and sewer bonds, spokeswoman Leadra Collins said. It was voted on by the Augusta Commission to be included in the 2025 budget, she said.

For the average residential customer who uses 5,000 gallons of water per month, the increase will come to about $2.23 per month, the statement said.

“This rate adjustment reflects our dedication to sustaining a solid water system for current and future generations,” Utilities Director Wes Byne said. “The funds will support critical projects such as pipeline replacements, water treatment upgrades and emergency preparedness to better serve our growing community.”

Prior water and sewer bond documents called for an annual 3% increase.

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The Author

Susan McCord is a veteran journalist and writer who began her career at publications in Asheville, N.C. She spent nearly a decade at newspapers across rural southwest Georgia, then returned to her Augusta hometown for a position at the print daily. She’s a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and the University of Georgia. Susan is dedicated to transparency and ethics, both in her work and in the beats she covers. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including a Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Fellowship, first place for hard news writing from the Georgia Press Association and the Morris Communications Community Service Award. **Not involved with Augusta Press editorials

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