Washington State law, RCW 36.94.140 requires sewer rates to be set to produce revenues sufficient to cover the costs of maintenance and operations, bond obligations, repayment of loans, and other costs necessary to properly run the county’s sewer systems.
The Sewer Utility will present a rate adoption resolution to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners by October, which will enable the Utility to continue delivering on the capital plan that supports reliable and sustainable sewer service countywide.
Sewer customers may provide comments.
The proposed five-year rate plan for 2026-2030 provides a cost-of-service based approach ensuring sewer rates are as fair and equitable as possible across all customer classes. This includes customers connected to sewer and contractors using Central Kitsap Treatment Plant for liquid hauled waste disposal (septage and grease). Adjustments to hauled waste rates will allow for a fairer distribution of costs, mitigating the impact on connected customers. See the Sewer Revenue Requirement and Cost of
Service Findings for more details.
Proposed 5-Year Rate Plan for 2026-2030:
Customer Class *
| 2026
| 2027
| 2028
| 2029
| 2030
|
Residential
| $109.72 | $115.48
| $121.55
| $127.93
| $134.64
|
Multi-family
| $89.53
| $96.47
| $103.94
| $112.00
| $120.68
|
Commercial
| $0.16
| $0.16
| $0.17
| $0.18
| $0.19
|
Restaurant
| $0.26
| $0.29
| $0.31
| $0.35
| $0.38
|
Septic
| $0.240
| $0.330
| $0.430
| $0.540
| $0.650
|
WAS/FOG
| $0.240
| $0.330
| $0.430
| $0.540
| $0.660
|
* Residential and Multi-Family are monthly charges per unit. Commercial and Restaurant are per cubic foot. Hauled Waste (septic and WAS/FOG) rates are per gallon.
What kind of funding does the Sewer Utility receive?
The Sewer Utility is solely funded through fees from sewer ratepayers. The Utility does not receive any funds from County tax revenue and cannot provide any financial assistance to other public works divisions or county departments. 98% of the Sewer Utility's revenues comes from residential customers. Annual applications are made for grants and low interest loans to help extend funds and maintain reserves. The focus of the Sewer Utility is to protect public health and the environment while providing cost effective service for our customers.
|
Why are sewer rates increasing?
County Code 13.14.080 mandates monthly sewer fees to cover the maintenance, operation, and replacement of sewer systems. Washington State law RCW 36.94.140 mandates sewer utilities to charge customers an amount that will cover any debt, operational expenses, and maintenance costs.
|
Does Kitsap County offer any discounts on sewer fees?
A senior/low income discount is given to customers that meet the Assessor's criteria for the Senior/Disable Exemption on property taxes. The current discount on sewer accounts is 25%.
|
What services are paid for by sewer fees?
Operating four sewage treatment facilities with state-certified operators, laboratory analysts, and technical staff to meet state and federal requirements. The sewage treatment plants have received numerous outstanding performance awards. Maintenance, repair, and replacement of all mechanical and electrical equipment at the County's sewage treatment plants and 64 sewage pump stations. Properly maintained equipment reduces energy use and provides for a more efficient conveyance system. Collections, repair, and replacement of 152 miles of gravity pipe, 48 miles of pressure pipe, and 5 miles of outfall (discharge) pipe, along with associated appurtenances such as 3,760 manholes throughout the county. Collections staff rotate to provide 24-hour emergency response. Engineering review and construction inspection of developer-funded sewer system designs to ensure compliance with county and state standards and codes. Manage assets and permit property owners to connect into the County's sewer systems. Administration of the Sewer Utility program, including billing, customer service, adherence to county and state regulations, and education and outreach to the public. Bond obligations - annual payments for revenue bonds the Sewer Utility has issued to construct large capital projects. The term of the bonds is typically 20-years. Capital projects to upgrade outdated infrastructure, most of which is 45+ years of age, improvements to manage future energy use, meet changes in regulation requirements, and increase sewer system capacity for the County's growing population.
|
Learn more about the Sewer Utility Division
Take a tour of the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant in Brownsville and learn how wastewater treatment protects your health and the environment. This plant serves the Central Kitsap area, Silverdale, Keyport, Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station at Keyport, and the City of Poulsbo. An average of 4 million gallons of wastewater is treated here each day.
Kitsap County offers free tours to residents and school groups grades 4 and up. We also offer classroom presentations for all ages, education for community groups, and intern opportunities for individuals interested in a career in wastewater treatment.
Learn more about these and other educational opportunities offered by Kitsap County Public Works.
|
