T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — Marshalltown residents will see an increase in their water bills starting Oct. 1. The rate will increase 20 cents, going from $2.14 per 100-cubic-feet to $2.34 per 100-cubic feet.

Marshalltown residents will see their water bill rise.

On Monday, the Marshalltown Water Works Board of Trustees voted to raise the water rate for all customers effective Oct. 1.

“The proposed rate was approved,” said Shelli Lovell, water works general manager. “Customers will see an increase in their drinking water rates.”

Marshalltown’s water rate is $2.14 per 100-cubic-feet which is lower than other Iowa towns of similar size. The new rate will be $2.34 per 100-cubic-feet or a 20-cent increase.

The Marshalltown Water Works estimates that a single person’s home will see a monthly increase in the drinking water portion of their utility bill of approximately $1.30 per month and that a family of four will see an increase of approximately $2.90 per month.

The high rate was proposed so Water Works can continue funding annual operation and maintenance expenses, aging water main replacement, the annual loan repayment for the 2017 treatment plant project and other improvements necessary to continue provision of reliable service.

Marshalltown Water Works is being proactive in guaranteeing the same standard of water quality residents have always had, Lovell said.

Marshalltown’s water treatment plant is nearly 45 years old and the increase will keep the plant maintained.

“The purpose of the rate is to continue to reinvest in our system so we can improve reliability,” Lovell said.

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Contact Thomas Nelson at 641-753-6611 or tnelson@timesrepublican.com