Increase in fee to restore aging sewer components

Starting the first of next month, those with Warwick sewer service will see a 550 percent spike in the renewal and replacement charge on their quarterly usage bill.

That sounds like an outlandish increase, but fear not, the total charge amounts to $3.50 per 1,000 cubic feet or 7,480 gallons of water used. The current R&R charge is 63 cents per 1,000 cubic feet.

The increase, approved by the Warwick Sewer Authority board based on capital replacement needs, will enable the authority to undertake replacement of aging pumping stations and such projects like the lining of the main line under Route 95 connecting the system with the wastewater treatment plant on the banks of the Pawtuxet, explains Janine Burke-Wells, executive director of the authority.

R&R receipts flow into an account restricted for renewal and replacement projects. That account totals $140,000, which “is nothing,” said Burke-Wells. With the rate increase, she said the account is expected to climb to $770,000.

“It’s still a drop in the bucket [given the work that needs to be done], but a Green Giant step in the right direction,” Burke-Wells said.

On the list for replacement are seven air injection pumping systems that were considered at the breaking edge of technology when installed. The pumps, however, are now breaking down and are inefficient, said Burke-Wells.

She will also be looking to the funds for the replacement of manholes, emergency generators at pumping stations – the city has 48 pumping stations – and odor controls. As Burke-Wells notes, sections of the system built in the 1960s are now approaching 60.

“We’re on the right path to staying on top of it [renewal and replacement]. This is in the best interest of the rate payers as a whole,” she said.

Burke-Wells acknowledged that had the City Council in revamping authority operations enabled for a connect-capable fee, those who have access to sewers but chose not to connect would be sharing in the cost of maintaining the system.

“There’s no question that the people connected to the system are paying. It [sewers] will be nice and ready and all patched up when they [those not have tied in] are connected.”

In notifying customers of the rate change with their quarterly invoice, the Sewer Authority didn’t waste paper. On the reverse of the notice, the authority advises to “take pride in our beaches” with summer storm water tips, including picking up after pets with proper disposal of pet waste and not to feed water fowl. “Feeding water fowl will make them sick and create more waste, which can spread disease and lead to beach closures.”

Burke-Wells projected the R&R fee would amount to about $17 a year for a homeowner.

The fee is also increasing for higher use customers. Customers using 5,000 cubic feet of water quarterly will see their charge increase from $3.15 to $17.50.