The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) filed a notice of proposed rate increases to help pay for maintenance on one of the oldest water systems in the country. A hearing is scheduled for West Philly on Tuesday, April 17, to provide more information and answer questions.

The meeting will take place at White Rock Baptist Church (5240 Chestnut St.) from 6:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Water Department is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of more than 6,000 miles of water mains and sewers. There were 715 water main breaks in Philadelphia between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, which impacted about 700 neighborhood blocks. And this past winter season was especially challenging, with 625 water main breaks in just over three months, according to the PWD. 

This increase in main breaks is due, in part, to aging infrastructure. The average age of a water main in Philadelphia is about 70 years.

The proposed 10.6 percent rate increase would raise the typical residential bill $7.00 per month by September 2020. The first rate increase of 1.1 percent is being proposed for September 1, 2018. A 5 percent increase is proposed for September 2019.

This rate change request is subject to approval by the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Board. For more information on participating in the rate process, visit www.Phila.gov/water/rateboard.