PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
38624 SE River St
PO Box 987
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Phone: 425-831-4919
Fax: 425-831-6041
[email protected]
www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us
Utility Rate Increases for 2017-2020
and Added Connection Charges
Information Sheet and FAQ
The City of Snoqualmie has increased utility rates for Snoqualmie water customers effective April 1, 2017 at a
graduated pace through 2020. There will also be new connection charges for new or expanded connections to
each utility system as a condition of service.
Residential and commercial rates are posted on the city website at bit.ly/SnoqUtilityRates. Low income eligibility
requirements and an application for reduced monthly water rates are also posted on the city website.
Why are rate increases and connection charges needed?
The 2017-2020 rates ensure the City of Snoqualmie can continue meeting regulatory requirements under state
and federal environmental laws. To keep the water, sewer and stormwater utility systems operating reliably for
the current population and anticipated future growth, the City of Snoqualmie will need to continue investing in
system upgrades and improvements.
Monthly Utility Bill for a Typical Single-Family Residence (2017-2020)
Average Residential
Monthly Bill
Water
Sewer
Storm
Total Monthly Bill
Existing
Rates
$ 46.37
$ 48.51
$ 19.36
$ 114.24
2017
$ 48.69
$ 56.52
$ 20.45
$ 125.66
Proposed Rates
2018
2019
$ 51.12 $ 53.68
$ 65.86 $ 76.73
$ 21.61 $ 22.83
$ 138.59 $ 153.24
2020
$ 56.36
$ 80.80
$ 24.12
$ 161.28
Water assumes a 3/4" meter with 7 ccf monthly water consumption.
Commercial businesses will see a higher rate than a single-family residence reflected on its billing statement.
How do Snoqualmie’s rates compare to other nearby cities?
The City conducted a comprehensive utility rate study in 2014 and updated it in 2016 to ensure its customers are
paying a rate that approximates the cost of providing utility services. Compared with other Snoqualmie Valley
cities, including North Bend, Carnation, and Duvall, Snoqualmie’s customers’ average residential monthly bills are
significantly lower.
What do utility rate increases fund?
Utility rates provide revenue to operate water, sewer and storm water infrastructure; operate and maintain water
and wastewater treatment facilities; and inspect and maintain equipment. Rate revenue also covers the cost to
recycle valuable resources from the City’s wastewater process, including providing reclaimed water for irrigation.
As well, the utility rate proposal protects the City’s credit rating to continue obtaining favorable interest rates on
money borrowed for capital improvements.
03/27/2017
What are connection charges?
Connection charges for water, sewer, and storm water ensure that each connecting property bears its share of
the cost of the public utility systems and the cost of materials. A one-time charge is imposed on new
development or connections, or expanded connections to the system as a condition of service. Connection
charges apply to any customer requesting a new service or a change in service.
2017 Rates for a New Single Family Connection (3/4” meter)
Utility
Connection Charge
General Facilities Charge
Water
$5,233
$7,421
Sewer
Storm
depends on depth
depends on depth
depends on depth
Total
$12,168
$328
$19,917
What do connection charges fund?
Connection charge revenue goes towards new facilities and system upgrades designed to accommodate
Snoqualmie’s growing population and to assure new growth pays its share of the investment in existing and
planned systems.
What types of programs will be funded through the new rates and connection charges?
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Water main replacements and improvements for water quality, and reliability.
Fire flow improvements including new reservoirs and improvements to existing reservoirs.
Two new pressure zones to increase or decrease water pressure at tap.
Improvements to the City’s sources of supply.
Implementation of storm water programs to meet new state requirements for the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Phase II Permit.
Installation of storm drainage systems to meet new state requirements.
Historic Snoqualmie water and sewer main replacement and storm water improvements.
Significant improvements to wastewater treatment facility including a new generator, solids handling
facilities, and other treatment components.
24/7 wastewater operations to protect water quality and public health while sustaining a healthy
environment.
Reconstruction and upgrades to lift stations that deliver wastewater from neighborhoods to the
wastewater treatment facility.
More Information:
Nancy Davidson, Operations Manager
Parks & Public Works Department
[email protected] or 425-888-8011
Sign up at bit.ly/SnoqUBPayments!
 Make payments online with a debit or credit card.
 Review billing details
 Track usage history.
 Check and update account information
 Make service requests via email
Online Bill Payment Questions:
[email protected] or 425-888-1555
03/27/2017