Greenville Residents will Notice Increase in Utility Bills

Greenville residents are bracing for changes in their utility bills as the city unveils rate increases to better its sanitation infrastructure. Starting October 1, 2023, sewer rates will rise by $5.00.

Alongside the sewer rate adjustment, water rates will see a $3.00 increase across the board. The added revenue will be directed toward maintaining and operating the city’s water system.

Furthermore, a $2.00 fee for solid waste collection will be introduced to ensure more consistent garbage and waste disposal services for Greenville’s residents.

The city’s Office of the Mayor has issued a statement informing residents of these upcoming rate adjustments, stemming from a history of compliance issues. In 2016, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed a Partial Consent Decree (PCD) on Greenville for violating the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit and the Clean Water Act from 2007 to 2012.

Since then, Greenville has worked to fulfill the PCD requirements, including assessments and remediation. However, a closer examination revealed that the sewer system needed more extensive repairs, extending the timeline beyond the original 6-year plan. Additionally, repair costs exceeded the city’s budget within that timeframe.

Greenville has been negotiating with the EPA since August 2018 to address these challenges to extend the Partial Consent Decree to 20 years. The EPA acknowledges Greenville’s situation but emphasizes that the extension requires the city to demonstrate its ability to fund and manage the necessary sewer assessment and repairs.

One key requirement from the EPA is implementing a comprehensive water and sewer rate study. This study outlines gradual rate increases to ensure sufficient funds for sewer system operation, maintenance, and eventual repair.