Phila. Water Department Proposes Rate Increase
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Water Department is requesting an 11 percent rate increase.
Spokesperson Laura Copeland says the department needs the increase primarily to repair aging infrastructure.
"That has a real impact on our citizens. If you look at the water main breaks that we've had," said Copeland.
Copeland says the increase would come to about $8 a month for the typical customer. It would be phased in over two years, beginning in July.
She says the public will have a chance to challenge or support the request.
"The Water Rate Board will set a minimum of four hearings and once we have the public input hearings set, I encourage the public to attend and give testimony," said Copeland.
The hearings have not yet been scheduled.
