Speedway Town Council approves increase in water and wastewater rates

The Speedway Town Council has approved an increase to water and wastewater rates to fund capital improvements to its aging water and wastewater infrastructure.

The rate increase amounts to an additional $14.30 per month for residential users who use 4,000 gallons of water or less monthly. The increase takes effect June 1, with the first bill due in August.

The town began a process of evaluating various water utility issues in 2019 and developed a capital improvement plan to map out how it will reinvest funds in water-related infrastructure. The wastewater plant was built in 1954, with the water plant following in 1965. Both facilities are operating with the original equipment.

“The Town of Speedway is poised to make historic investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure, which reflects our commitment to providing safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment processes to the thousands of people who live and own businesses in our community,” said Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz. “Clean and safe water is essential for our very survival, and it is incumbent upon us to protect our water supply sources. 

At the water plant, the rate increase will support updates to the existing well system; new wells; dam improvements; chemical treatment changes; improved operational processes; updates to the building facilities; and new water mains, valves and meters.

At the wastewater plant, the rate increase will support new boilers, pumps, and meters; improvements to electrical and safety measures at the lift station; a new lift station at Chapel Hill; and an overall upgrade to the plant’s life system.

Speedway has not raised its rates since 2011.