1 year after water crisis, Germantown water rates increasing [Video]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A year after a diesel fuel spill left more than 40,000 people in Germantown without usable water for about a week, city leaders announced water rates, and more, are increasing.

The city said Thursday, July 10, 2024, that residents and business owners would see increases in their water, sewer, and sanitation rates starting with their July bills. Residential customers who use an average of 4,000 gallons per month will see an increase of $8.72. The city said the increase in sanitation rates is the first since fiscal year 2017.

“These adjustments are necessary to address personnel costs, rising maintenance costs, inflation related to water treatment materials, continued infrastructure investment and rising sewage treatment expenses,” said the city in a news release.

The city said the adjusted water and sewer rates are expected to remain in …