Hamilton residents to see hike in water bill

Hamiltonians will likely see their water bills go up after councillors unanimously endorsed a report that outlined the city’s need to upgrade infrastructure.

The water department wants a 4.66 per cent increase which translates to about $32 per year, per household.

“This year we’re trending towards 275 water main breaks or so, a relatively normal year for us 33,” says Andrew Grice, Hamilton’s Director of Water.

Most of the money the city’s water department is requesting will go towards maintaining and upgrading the city’s infrastructure that should prevent expensive problems like water main breaks.

The department also needs more staff as it continues upgrades at the Woodward Ave. Wastewater Treatment Plant. Roughly $350 million is going into the project to improve the quality of water that is pumped into Hamilton’s harbour.

Overall water and wastewater is asking for $222 million, up from $211 million in 2017.

The budget increase was unanimously accepted at the General Issues Committee Thursday so it will likely pass at the next city council meeting on December 19.