WAUSAU. WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a rate hike for the City of Wausau’s water utility.
City officials say the increase will begin on July 1st and will not affect sewer rates. The city reports the average bill will go up by $50 per quarter.
This follows an announcement from May, when city officials say the increase is due to continued efforts to combat PFAS. “We’re trying to manage those rates the best that we can,” explained Director of Public Works Eric Lindman at the time. “We understand that it’s a struggle every time that we raise rates, but we also know that safe clean drinking water is an absolute necessity for public health and safety.”
A review of public comments by the Wausau Pilot & Review saw that many people claim water is no longer affordable in Wausau. Others called for more transparency on how the Wausau Water Works is spending its money. Some renters expect landlords to pass on the higher water costs to them.
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