PENDLETON — Residents of Pendleton are going to be paying more for water and sewer services effective Tuesday, April 1.

Each year the city increases water and sewer rates 2.5% based on inflation. The city announced March 27 the new rates include an additional 2.75% increase for the water rate and 1.25% increase for the sewer rate.

According to the announcement, the city of Pendleton is more than $14 below the statewide averages for water and sewer rates.

The average residential rates Pendleton for a household using 5,000 gallons of water and 6.7 units of sewer are $53.05 for water and $54.40 for sewer, a total of $107.45 a month. The statewide median averages are $52.81 for water and $68.87 for sewer, a total of $121.68, a difference of $14.23.

With the proposed increase, rates in Pendleton will remain $9.41 below the statewide average.

For the average residential customer, the new rates will result in an estimated monthly increase of $2.62 for water and $2.08 for sewer, a total of $4.70 a month.

“This increase will be used to upgrade and maintain aging infrastructure and maintain regulatory compliance,” according to the announcement.

The increase in water and sewer rates will help with three primary areas:

• Increased operational costs: Rising costs of treatment, materials and energy mean higher costs to maintain and operate city systems effectively.
• Aging infrastructure improvements: Upgrading and maintaining aging water and sewer infrastructure is essential to prevent system failures and ensure long-term reliability.
• Regulatory compliance requirements: Meeting updated state and federal environmental standards requires continued investment in advanced treatment processes and system improvements.

The city also reported it is pursuing grants and other funding opportunities to offset future costs

and minimize the burden on residents. Additionally, assistance programs are available for qualifying households who may need support.

“While we recognize that any increase can be difficult, these adjustments are essential to ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable services to our community,” Public Works Director Jeff Brown said. “We understand that rate adjustments can raise concerns, and we are committed to keeping the public informed.”

Community members can learn more about these adjustments by contacting the city of Pendleton or visiting the city website at tinyurl.com/ymfafypp. Community members can provide feedback on the proposal at the city council meeting April 1 in the Council Chambers at city hall, 500 SW Dorion Ave.

The Pendleton City Council will open a public hearing at that meeting and take public testimony in favor of and against the proposal.