Utility asks for 22% hike in Boise water rate

BOISE –The water utility serving the state’s largest metropolitan area has asked regulators for a 22 percent increase in residential rates.

United Water Idaho, which serves over 75,000 customers in Boise and the surrounding area, wants the additional $6.8 million a year in revenue the higher rates would raise to begin recovering the $41 million it has spent over the past four years improving its water system.

That includes $29 million for the new Columbia Water Treatment plant that will treat water from the Boise River. The plant being completed in March is part of the company strategy to reduce reliance on groundwater.

The increase submitted to the Public Utilities Commission would add $6 a month to the average customer’s bill for 9,700 gallons a month. Commercial rates would increase by just under 20 percent.