Water Rates

New Water Rates - Summer 2022

When are rates increasing?

The new rates are now in effect.  The rates were adopted in June 2022, effective with the billing cycle beginning on or around July 20, 2022. You will see the rates reflected in the bill you receive in August, due on August 20th. (Please see the link to Resolution 2023-06 with the most recent water rates and fees below.)

What are the new rates?

The table above shows the proposed new monthly base rates and consumption charges. The majority of our customers have a 0.75" size meter. (Please see the link to the Water Rate Study below for the full analysis.)

Will my bill always be the same amount?

Your bill may fluctuate each month based on your usage. If your usage is below the allowance of 3,500 gallons, you will pay only the base rate.  If you use more than 3,500 gallons, you will be billed for usage above 3,500 gallons based on a tiered rate.

Why are rates increasing?

The City of Nehalem has not increased water rates since 2010.

The City of Nehalem called upon the Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) to conduct a water rate study to decide the adequacy of the water rates. The purpose of the study was to develop rates and revenues that:
• Meet the projected capital, operation, and maintenance costs of the system
• Applies a fair cost among the different types of system users
• Encourage efficient use of the water
• Are relatively simple to understand, administer and are consistent with industry standards

The analysis of existing rates revealed that revenues must be increased to meet the operation and maintenance costs of the system. (Please see the link to the Water Rate Study below for the full analysis.)

How are customers being notified?

• A preliminary review of Water Rate Study findings was presented at the February 2022 City Council Meeting.
• Notes regarding the rate study report, public hearings, and coming increase were printed on customer water bills for March, April, May and June 2022.
• OAWU presented comparative rate options at the April 2022 City Council Meeting.
• The first Public Hearing on new rates was held at the May 2022 City Council Meeting.
• A second Public Hearing on new rates was held at the June 13, 2022 City Council Meeting.
• A separate notice was mailed to customers in July announcing the new rates.
• A link to the complete Water Rate Study and Adopted Resolution with the new rates, fees and charges, can be found below.

Can I pay my bill online?

• Yes, the online bill pay option has been available since September 2022. Customers pay associated fees directly to the bill-pay provider.