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Water rates rise 45 cents

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE Rising costs propelled the decision last week to increase Chicopee's water rate.

Water Superintendent Allen Ryczek explained to the Chicopee Herald the increase was necessarily to keep pace with fixed costs in the Water Department. The Water Commissioners met on Aug. 8 and authorized the increases.

Chicopee residential, commercial and agricultural users will see an increase of 45 cents for 100 cubic feet or 750 gallons of water. The new rate will be $2.70 per 750 gallons.

The new rates will be applied on all bills rendered on or after Oct. 1.

The industrial rate was also increased 45 cents to $1.65 per 750 gallons. Ryczek said currently there are only two industrial users in the city Hercules Chemical Company and Westover Air Reserve Base. He said the rate for the air base has to be finalized through a separate contract because it is a federal facility.

Ryczek said about half of the Water Department's budget goes to buying drinking water from the Quabbin Reservoir, about $2.6 million and those costs have increased.

He said that Chicopee remains competitive with the neighboring communities of Holyoke and South Hadley with its water rates.