Council to consider increases to water, sewer rates
By Terry Murry on Monday, March 31st, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on increases to water and sewer rates for the city. City staff says the new rates are necessary to manage inflation and maintain reliable service. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers of Pendleton City Hall. It is also available via Teams HERE.
On Friday, the city issued a news release states the city normally increases rates 2.5 percent annually due to inflation, but this year the proposed rates will include an additional 2.75 percent for water rates and 1.25 percent in sewer rates.
The news release is below:
The City of Pendleton is committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality water and sewer services to our community. To continue maintaining this level of service and to address rising operational costs, we will be implementing an adjustment to water and sewer rates, effective April 1, 2025.
Each year, the City of Pendleton increases water and sewer rates 2.5 percent based on inflation. This year, the proposed adjustment also includes an additional 2.75 percent in water rates and 1.25 percent in sewer rates. This increase will be used to upgrade and maintain aging infrastructure and maintain regulatory compliance.
Why the Increase is Necessary
The increase in water and sewer rates will help with three primary areas:
- Increased Operational Costs: Rising costs of treatment, materials, and energy directly impact the expenses required to maintain and operate our systems effectively.
- Aging Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading and maintaining aging water and sewer infrastructure is essential to prevent system failures and ensure long-term reliability.
- Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Meeting updated state and federal environmental standards requires continued investment in advanced treatment processes and system improvements.
Currently, the City of Pendleton is more than $14 below the statewide averages for water and sewer rates. The current average residential rates in the City of Pendleton, for a household using 5,000 gallons of water and 6.7 units of sewer, are $53.05 for water and $54.40 for sewer, a total of $107.45 a month; however, the statewide median averages are $52.81 for water and $68.87 for sewer, a total of $121.68, a difference of $14.23. With the proposed increase, rates in the City of Pendleton will remain $9.41 below the statewide average. For a visual representation, see the chart below.
| Water | Sewer | Total | |
| City of Pendleton (current) | 53.05 | 54.40 | 107.45 |
| Proposed Increase | 2.62 | 2.08 | 4.70 |
| City of Pendleton (proposed) | 55.67 | 56.48 | 112.15 |
| Oregon Statewide Average | 52.81 | 68.87 | 121.68 |
Impact on Customers
For the average residential customer, the new rates will result in an estimated monthly increase of $2.62 for water and $2.08 for sewer, a total of $4.70 a month.
The City is actively pursuing grants and other funding opportunities to offset future costs and minimize the burden on residents. Additionally, assistance programs are available for qualifying households who may need support.
“While we recognize that any increase can be difficult, these adjustments are essential to ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable services to our community,” Public Works Director Jeff Brown said. “We understand that rate adjustments can raise concerns, and we are committed to keeping the public informed.”
Public Information and Feedback
Community members can learn more about these adjustments by contacting the City of Pendleton or visiting the City website at https://www.pendletonor.gov/publicworks/page/water-and-sewer-rate-adjustments-2025 . Community members can provide feedback on the proposal at the upcoming City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, in the Council Chambers at Pendleton City Hall, 500 SW Dorion Ave. The Pendleton City Council will open a public hearing at that meeting and will take public testimony both in favor of and against the proposal during the April 1 meeting. “We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work to maintain and improve the City’s water and sewer infrastructure for generations to come,” Brown said.
