Residents in Hanover may want to think twice before taking that extra long shower in the new year.
Water and sewer rates are going up in Hanover.
The 12.5 per cent increase will be phased in over two years with a 6.48 per cent increase in 2010 and a 6.09 per cent increase in 2011.
By the end of the first year the average homeowner will have paid an extra 36 dollars or 9 cents more a day.
By 2011 the increase works out to be a 72 dollar overall hike.
(A 36 dollar increase 2010 and another 36 dollar increase in 2011)
Director of Corporate Services Christine Walker calls the increases necessary.
She says the current water and sewer rates are not keeping up with the town’s capital and reserve funds that are required.
Walker notes Hanover is depleting its reserve funds this year by taking on two major projects — upgrades to the waste water treatment plant and the 7th Avenue sewer extension project.
Walker adds Hanover needed to take both projects on now in order to take advantage of some government infrastructure funding.
Even with the rate increases, Walker says Hanover’s water and sewer rates are amongst the lowest in the region.