LISBON

Lisbon residents could soon be seeing an increase in their water rates — possibly even as much as a 25 percent hike.

The town’s Water Department is proposing new rates. As noted in a letter sent to rate payers in November 2017, the department cited the town’s aging water system and deterioration as primary drivers of the potential increase.

“It’s extremely needed,” said Lisbon Water Department Superintendent Bill Alexander. “We have an aging infrastructure that’s over 100 years old.”

The water department hasn’t raised rates since Oct. 1, 2014, when the quarterly rate was set at $47.77 per 900 cubic feet or less.

According to the department, operating costs have increased since then, resulting in a net loss of $58,723 in 2016 and a budgeted net loss of $43,608 in 2017. The department also stated in the letter to truly fully fund every deficit and project, it would require a 48 percent raise. The current 25 percent proposed will cover maintenance of the water system, and fulfill debt and service obligations.

“We are trying to be as economical as we can,” said Alexander. “The Water Commission has done a great job of holding a line on the budget to this point.”

According to Alexander, the department wants to take advantage of the Maine Department of Transportation’s work in town. Several parts of the town’s water system could be replaced without additional paving costs because of the DOT work, such as with the Mills Street Bridge replacement project. The water department would like to move an unprotected water main to the new bridge project in 2018.

The planned DOT project at the Main Street and Route 196 intersection would give the department a chance to replace inoperative valves that control flow to the entire system. Alexander expressed that making needed repairs during the DOT projects could save the department from additional costs in the future. He said if the needed repairs to the system are made, it could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in paving costs.

“DOT will be working around the water main,” said Alexander. “You have a new road, and then if the water main breaks you have it to tear it up. You have damage to a newly constructed road.”

Alexander also cited safety concerns with the aging system. He said when there is a break and a water main has to be shut down, it opens up the risk for back-siphoning and contamination in the water. He also wants to address complaints of dirty water by installing corrosion control at the Moody Filtration Plant. The department has had four breaks in the Main Street area.

In addition, he said, new equipment to improve water flow would also provide better fire protection for citizens.

The rate increase would go into effect on April 1. The 25 percent increase applies not only to residents, but also to commerce, industry, public authorities and public and private fire protection. Alexander said the department is trying to help minimize the impact. A plan is in place to drop the current minimum usage from 900 cubic feet to 500, which will give customers that weren’t reaching the minimum more control over their bill.

“Twenty-five percent sounds like a lot,” said Alexander. “You’re looking at another $10 to $12 on your bill, and that’s quarterly. That’s about $3 to $4 per month.”

A public hearing will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Lisbon Town Office. At that time, complete details of the need for an increase will be presented.