KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Starting at the end of the month, water and sewer rates for customers of the Kalamazoo City water and sewer systems will go up 7 and 8 percent respectively.
The extra cash will be spent to address the kind of long term infrastructure problems, including lead pipe replacement, and to pay to replace some of the ancient water mains which have been bursting with greater frequency lately.
The water utilities also needs to replace a water tank and some lift-stations that have continued to serve for longer than they were built to last.
The Wastewater and water operations are self-funded and self-supporting and operate as separate enterprises within City Government. with no comingling of funds.
Even with the increases, Kalamazoo area ratepayers will still be charged less than water and sewer customers in other Michigan communities, on average.
