King County increases sewage treatment rates

Coal Creek Utility District customers will see higher rates for existing sewer connections and capacity charges for new connections. These increases reflect a vote by the Metropolitan-King County Council increasing fees for sewage treatment and disposal.

The King County portion of sewer customers’ bills is for the treatment, disposal, and conveyance of sewage to the Renton Treatment plant. The Coal Creek Utility District portion is for system maintenance, sewage collection, and the conveyance to King County’s system.

The Metropolitan-King County Council set the rate for existing sewer connections at $25.60 per month, a 9.4% increase. This new rate is to be in place through 2008. There is no increase in the CCUD sewer rate.

Additionally, the Council set a new capacity charge, which is associated with new connections to the sewer system, at $34.05 per month. Revenue generated by this charge will pay for new sewer lines and offset the cost of King County’s $1.4 billion Brightwater treatment facility.

The capacity charge, which should remain unchanged until 2009, is assessed for 15 years after connection and is paid directly to King County. Customers may choose to pay the capacity charge upfront.

The new bi-monthly sewer bill for existing residential customers will be $77.02 — $51.20 paid to King County and $25.82 paid to the Coal Creek Utility District. The bill for commercial customers will be $77.02 bi-monthly plus an additional water volume charge. Contact the King County Council at (206) 296-1000 with any questions.