Collegeville, Trappe Sewer Rates Rising, Water Rates Likely to Increase

Collegeville and Trappe residents will seen an increase in their sewer bills, and likely water bills, after this month’s budget season.

Collegeville/Trappe Municipal Authority Sewer Rates

The Collegeville/Trappe Municipal Authority (CTMA) voted to raise sewer rates by seven percent, or 35 cents per 1,000 gallons, due to a similar raise in rates from the Lower Perkiomen Valley Regional Sewer Authority.

Collegeville/Trappe Joing Public Works Water Rates

The Collegeville Borough Council voted unanimously to approve an eight percent increase in water rates recommended by the Collegeville/Trappe Joint Public Works, raising water prices from $3.10 to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons.

Trappe Borough Council, which tabled the vote at its Dec. 4 meeting, is also required to vote for the increase before it goes into effect.

“[The CTMA] has been running on reserves,” said Collegeville Council Vice Chair Arnold Mann, when discussing the reason for Trappe tabling the vote. “This year we happened to come out with a surplus. The last ten years we haven’t, but this year we did.”

Council Member Rowan Keenan explained that there has been no water rate increase since 2002, and that many other water companies in the area charge over three times what CTMA charges.

“Pennsylvania American Water, for 5,000 gallons of water, costs $86.55,” said Keenan. “Our price for that same water is just over $15, with the increase.

“Our rates are the lowest rates in the area. Even with this raise of eight percent, suggested by public works, they will still be one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the three-county area.”

Keenan also said that if the boroughs wait too long for a rate increase, public works might fall behind and run a deficit, potentially being forced to raise rates by a significant percentage in future years.