Under the budget approved June 21 by the Apache Junction Water District board, rates for customers have increased 2.2% to 4.8% depending on if they live in or outside the city limits. The new rates went into effect Oct. 1.

The board is comprised of Apache Junction City Council members.

Those within the city limits increased approximately 2.2%, which translates to a bill increase of approximately $1.50 a month for the average customer using less than 7,500 gallons per month. Rates for customers living in the county increased approximately 4.8%, which translates to a bill increase of approximately $3.83 a month for the average customer using less than 7,500 gallons per month, according to a release.

The increase is part of the annual budget and rate-setting process, which includes reviewing operating expenses and equipment replacement costs, leading to the rate adjustment. The rate schedule is at ajwaterdistrict.org or upon request. For information, call Apache Junction Water District at 480-982-6030.

“The Apache Junction Water District makes every effort to minimize rate adjustments. We care about the potential impact this may have on our customers. The approach we have taken is reasonable, sensible, and responsible,” the release states.

“The Apache Junction Water District is committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to our customers. With this commitment comes the responsibility to ensure that infrastructure improvements are made, and that the water system remains financially sustainable,” it states.

This year major improvements to the water system will include:

• Utility Billing Software
• Drill new water production well
• Design additional pumps at Booster Station II
• Install non-potable water line between Apache Junction Water District and Superstition Mountains Community Facilities District No. 1

The Apache Junction Water District supplies well water (groundwater) pumped from the Eastern Salt River Sub-Basin Aquifer which flows southwesterly under Apache Junction and its surrounding areas. The groundwater is treated for arsenic removal where necessary, disinfected with chlorine, pumped into storage tanks and blended with Colorado River (surface) water.

The surface water is transported through the Central Arizona Project canal system and filtered and purified at the Superstition Area Water Plant before being introduced into the distribution system.

The water district can also receive treated CAP water from the city of Mesa through an interconnect for a backup supply of water, if needed.