For More Information: Kathy Lambert  (206) 296-1003

Wastewater rates in King County will remain steady for the next two years after the Metropolitan King County Council voted today to maintain the current wastewater rate of $23.40 through 2004.

“This provides citizens with predictability when it comes to their monthly budgets,” said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee. “It ensures that consumers will be protected from the energy rate fluctuations we have seen over the last several years.”

Soaring energy costs last year drove up Northwest power rates, and the cost of operating the regional wastewater system. In addition to higher energy costs, King County was faced with the possibility of receiving a lower bond rating. Even a minimal drop in a municipality’s bond rating could result in millions of dollars more in interest payments over the life of a bond.

“King County has a long standing policy of holding wastewater rates stable,” said Lambert. “This vote continues that policy.”

In addition, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division is currently proceeding with a new third wastewater treatment plant serving the North King and South Snohomish County area. The agency is currently constructing the Denny Way Combined Sewer Overflow project, which when completed, would virtually eliminate untreated sewage overflows into Elliott Bay during heavy rainfalls. Other projects in the pipeline include expanding the County’s current water reuse system to reduce the use of fresh water, and improving efficiency and capacity with the current regional wastewater system.

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