Scheduled Water Rate Increase Goes into Effect April 1

On April 1, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) will implement the next phase of water rates that were previously approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). An average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month will see the water portion of their bill increase from $50.05 in 2023 to $53.15 in 2024.

In 2021, the IURC approved the Utility’s plan to increase water rates in phases over a five-year period, from 2022 through 2026. The rate increases are necessary to pay for the construction of a new water treatment facility to replace EWSU’s aging water plant. Part of the current Water Filtration Facility has been in operation for over 125 years and is nearing the end of its useful life. The plant has undergone 10 major expansions and improvements. Additional expansions are no longer economically feasible.

“The water filtration plant that we have today was built to sustain our city over 100 years ago and is insufficient for sustainably supporting the future needs of our community and our region,” EWSU Executive Director Vic Kelson said. He noted the filtration plant provides water to all of Vanderburgh County and surrounding areas in Posey, Gibson and Warrick counties. “We need to act now to build the new water plant to set ourselves up for continued growth.”

Kelson, who was appointed executive director of EWSU in January by Mayor Stephanie Terry, understands that utility rates are a challenge for a significant segment of the community who struggle financially to make ends meet.

“I have asked EWSU staff to evaluate proposals that would enhance our utility bill assistance program for qualifying customers. We hope to present a proposal to our board of directors in the next few weeks,” Kelson said.