If you live in Seattle, and you think your water and sewer charges are high, you’re right.
That’s according to a new city-government audit of Seattle Public Utilities. The Seattle Times reports the audit cites an industry analysis that found Seattle paying the highest rates among 50 U.S. cities.
The audit puts most of the blame on a 45-year, non-negotiable contract between the city and King County to provide waste-water treatment.
The report by Seattle Auditor David Jones notes that up to three-quarters of the $187 million S.P.U. collected from rate payers in 2009 went to King County.
One reason is cost over-runs on the county’s new Brightwater sewage-treatment plant.
Another is that there has been less-than-expected levels of development. That means fewer new customers to share the costs.
County officials say the fees they charge Seattle and 34 other municipalities are fair, considering the high cost of providing waste-water treatment services.
According to a 2010 analysis by consulting firm Black and Veatch, the highest water and sewer rates are paid by:
- Seattle
- Atlanta
- Honolulu
- San Diego
The lowest rates are paid in Memphis.
