SASKWATER ANNOUNCES RATE ADJUSTMENT

To help ensure that SaskWater continues to meet customer needs in the province for safe, reliable, quality water, the corporation will be raising rates effective for the April 2010 billing period.

Unlike many other water and wastewater utilities across the province, SaskWater did not have a rate increase in 2008 or 2009. SaskWater's last rate increase was on May 1, 2007.

The 2010 increase affects customers who do not have scheduled annual rate adjustments as a part of their agreement; this includes 26 communities, 49 rural pipeline groups, 35 industrial customers and approximately 200 other rural users. These customers will see the increase on their April invoice.

"Utility providers are constantly challenged with rising operating costs, aging infrastructure and evolving regulations," Minister responsible for SaskWater Nancy Heppner said. "SaskWater is no different. Saskatchewan communities recognize that safe, quality water is a very valuable resource and pricing must reflect the actual costs of providing that resource."

Rates will increase by nine per cent for potable water customers and 5.9 to nine per cent for non-potable water customers. As a result, the increase to potable customers will be a maximum of 20 cents per cubic metre (1,000 litres) and the increase to non-potable customers will be a maximum of five cents per cubic metre.

The recommended increase will result in the average household bill increasing anywhere from $4.14 to $6.24 a month for SaskWater's direct connection rural customers. Whether this increase is directly and equally transferred to municipal and rural pipeline groups' customers is at their discretion. SaskWater is contacting all customers affected by the rate increase.

In 2009, SaskWater completed $2.12 million in capital upgrades and infrastructure replacement. SaskWater owns and operates seven water treatment plants, three wastewater facilities, 37 pump stations and more than 800 km of pipeline. SaskWater's services reach approximately 50,000 people across the province.

SaskWater municipal customers affected by the 2010 rate adjustment:

Cities:
Martensville

Towns:
Allan
Dalmeny
Hague
Hanley
Lanigan
Osler
Warman
White City

Villages:
Bethune
Bradwell
Clavet
Disley
Elbow
Elstow
Marquis
Riverhurst
Tuxford
Vanscoy
Viscount
Resort Village of Shields

Hamlets:
Guernsey

Rural Municipalities:
Blucher
Corman Park
Edenwold
Vanscoy

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For more information, contact:

Courtney Gillies
SaskWater
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3940
Email: courtney.gillies@saskwater.com
Cell: 306-630-8441