2022 Rate Change Info
- Click HERE for Information Regarding the Rate Change Effective 10/01/2022
- Click HERE to view the Schedule of Rates (Effective 10/01/2022)
On August 22, 2022, after two public hearings, the Merrimack Village District (MVD) Board of Commissioners approved an 11% increase in the Schedule of Rates. The new rates will be effective as of 10/1/2022.
This rate change supports the increased cost of the $14.5 million dollar PFAS Petitioned Warrant Articles proposed and passed by voters at the MVD Annual Meeting in 2019. The articles called for PFAS Treatment for all wells and the related ongoing Operations & Maintenance expenses.
PFAS Treatment Plants for Wells 4 & 5 and Wells 7 & 8 have been completed and are on-line, and construction is underway for the PFAS Treatment Plant for Wells 2 & 9 which is anticipated to be complete later this fall. In addition to the newly constructed and in-progress PFAS Treatment Plants, MVD also maintains approximately 180 miles of Water Mains, 930 Fire Hydrants, 6 Groundwater Wells, 3 Water Storage Tanks, an Iron & Manganese Treatment Plant, and 3 Booster Stations. Continuous evaluation and improvements for all of this infrastructure is necessary in order to maintain water operations. In the past year, MVD has continued with improvements to the water system including renewing the Large Groundwater Withdrawal Permit for Mitchell Woods, continued exploring options and feasibility of Artificial Recharge to the aquifer at Wells 4 and 5, formed a Salt Mitigation Committee with the intention of lowering Sodium Chloride usages to reduce the levels in the aquifer, as well as daily operations and maintenance of the water system.
Please note: In order to offset the costs of PFAS Treatment, MVD has obtained and continues to pursue additional funding through grants provided by NHDES. Furthermore, MVD has filed suit in New Hampshire Superior Court against the parties responsible for the PFOA contamination of MVD’s wells.
It should be noted that a recent rate study completed by Underwood Engineers recommends an additional increase of 13% in Fiscal Year 2024 to support cost increases and capital projects; the final increase amount will be determined after a rate study update is completed in Fiscal Year 2023.