Funding & Rates
Maximizing outside funding to multiply every dollar contributed locally is a universal priority for all Project 7 members. Regional water supply resiliency programs such as this are strong candidates for federal and state grants; however, this effort will be funded in part by increasing the price that Project 7 members pay for wholesale water.
The forecasted water rate increases associated with the Regional Water Supply Program are intended to roughly match the inflation adjusted value of that same water in 1980, when Project 7 first opened its taps. Over the past 40+ years, Project 7 has maintained rates below inflation adjusted levels through efficient management and proactive maintenance of the existing system.
Going forward, this funding approach will restore Project 7’s purchasing power to what was originally intended in 1980 and fund the region’s future water needs, while simultaneously keeping rates low by correcting for 40-years of deferred inflation. The bottom line is, decades of efficient management of our drinking water system has allowed us to defer rate increases, not system maintenance. Now is the time to reinvest in a secure regional water supply for future generations.
Depending on the ultimate design, the actual revenue increases needed will likely fall in between Scenarios 1 and 2, shown below. Project 7 has supported regional economic progress since 1980, and now it is time for our communities to invest in a secure drinking water supply for future generations.
The forecasted water rate increases associated with the Regional Water Supply Program are intended to roughly match the inflation adjusted value of that same water in 1980, when Project 7 first opened its taps. Over the past 40+ years, Project 7 has maintained rates below inflation adjusted levels through efficient management and proactive maintenance of the existing system.
Going forward, this funding approach will restore Project 7’s purchasing power to what was originally intended in 1980 and fund the region’s future water needs, while simultaneously keeping rates low by correcting for 40-years of deferred inflation. The bottom line is, decades of efficient management of our drinking water system has allowed us to defer rate increases, not system maintenance. Now is the time to reinvest in a secure regional water supply for future generations.
Depending on the ultimate design, the actual revenue increases needed will likely fall in between Scenarios 1 and 2, shown below. Project 7 has supported regional economic progress since 1980, and now it is time for our communities to invest in a secure drinking water supply for future generations.
E Both scenarios assume 1% annual rate increases from 2025 - 2030.
F Inflation adjusted rates assume an average 2% annual rate of inflation from 2021 - 2030
F Inflation adjusted rates assume an average 2% annual rate of inflation from 2021 - 2030
Still have questions? Review the Regional Water Supply Program Frequently Asked Questions