Aging pipes, pumps drive water rate proposal in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Aging pipes and pumps are behind a proposed rate increase for water customers in South Bend.

Public Works Director Eric Horvath tells the South Bend Tribune (http://bit.ly/2bVSZfQ ) critical parts of water system infrastructure are deteriorating. The 2017 budget calls for a 43 percent increase in water rates to pay for upgrades.

That means an additional $4.74 per month for a typical South Bend resident using 5,000 gallons of water each month. The typical monthly water bill is now about $11.

Rate increases are subject to approval by the Common Council and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The city presents a rate ordinance to the council Sept. 12. The council will consider the matter Sept. 26.

The city's last water rate increase was in 2006.

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Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com