Portland Water District Trustees Approve $39.0 Million Budget for 2015

Recently the Portland Water District’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a combined $39 million water and wastewater operating budget which represents a 1.9% increase over 2014. Much of the increase is related to infrastructure maintenance and improvements, including water main replacement and the federally mandated UV light water treatment system.

In addition to the operating budget, a $25 million capital improvement plan was approved. The plan allocates $6.5 million to replace aging water mains and $11 million to begin construction on the aeration system at the East End Wastewater Treatment Facility located in Portland.

The budget assumes a mid-year water rate increase of 3.8%, which is estimated to add an additional $0.70 to a typical monthly water bill. In coming months, the Board will consider a water rate increase. This does not affect wastewater rates, which are determined by local municipalities.