Water Rate Bumped Up By Suffolk County Water Authority

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Customers of the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) should prepare for a price increase.

The SCWA Board on Friday announced it adopted a new rate structure that will increase the water rate for the average customer by $1.56 per month, or $4.68 each quarter.

"Our rate consultant had recommended a considerably higher bill increase, but the board was able to bring it down to just $1.56 per month by having our departments conduct a rigorous search for efficiencies," Jeffrey W. Szabo, CEO of Suffolk County Water Authority, stated.

The board delayed the increase in the rate until June 1 in what it called an effort to provide additional relief during "tough economic times." The rate increase normally would have gone into effect on April 1.

"Please know that the SCWA Board takes every step possible to keep your rates low while continuing to provide drinking water that meets or surpasses all state and federal water quality standards," Szabo said. "SCWA rates are still among the lowest in the region."

Customers also saw a $20 quarterly fee added to their bills at the start of 2020.

The board says it adopted two other measures to ease bill pay for SCWA customers: increased conservation rate threshold and balanced billing.

The board increased the water usage threshold for nearly 98 percent of its customers from 105 centum cubic feet per quarter to 120 CCF per quarter. That difference equates to roughly 11,000 gallons.

In June, customers will be able to choose a balanced billing option, which would allow them to pay the same amount during each quarterly billing cycle based on past water usage. The board said this will prevent higher summer bills largely caused by summer lawn watering, as 70 percent of all water use happens during the spring and summer lawn-watering season.

Customers seeking more information about the balanced billing program can call 631-698-9500.