Water Rates to Increase

by Kathy Savolt -

As previously reported in The Mamaroneck Observer (see HERE and see HERE) water rates are about to increase to cover the cost of the new filtration plant.

At the August 11, 2025 work session of the Board of Trustees (BOT), members discussed the proposed 20% rate hike at length but ultimately took no action.

Filtration Plant Costs

Mandated by the Federal Clean Water Act and after trying to find less expensive viable options, the Westchester Joint Water Works (WJWW) must build a filtration plant to comply with the negotiated Consent Decree which includes other initiatives in lieu of the exorbitant daily fines for noncompliance.  Three other projects totaling $8 million are included in the total project cost.  This issue has been lingering for two decades and was only settled last year. 

As explained by Village Treasurer Laura Vasami in an August 8, 2025 memo to the BOT (See pertinent sections HERE), the total cost of the project (filtration plant, Consent Decree projects, cost of issuing debt) is $220 million.  This total is offset by a $30 million grant, and a $145 million low cost loan has already been secured, both from New York State.  The three municipalities must borrow a total of $48.4 million to complete the funding for the project.

Village Share

The Village’s share of all WJWW expenses, is determined by water usage (and explained in the article above) is 27.7%.  Our share of this project’s debt breaks down as follows:

                                    NYS Loan                     $40.2 million

                                    Debt to be issued          12.6 million

                                    Total                            $52.8 million

When added to the current debt payments from the Water fund, Vasami projects annual debt payments of $3.8 million.  To fund this amount, Vasami recommended a 20% water rate increase.

This proposal was met with dismay and skepticism from the BOT.  Trustee Ellen Silver asked for a detailed analysis of the rate increase and asked if it could be phased in as opposed to all at once.  Mayor Sharon Torres, who, in her capacity as Mayor, also sits on the Board of WJWW, reminded her colleagues that time was running out and the bids for construction were about to be opened.

The BOT held the matter for more information and asked Vasami to work with WJWW staff to gather the data.  Any other changes in the water rate, including the Sewer Rental Fee, were not included in the discussion.