March 15, 2022 Press Release

Speedway Town Council approves increase in water and wastewater rates,leading to historic investments in water-related infrastructure

Major capital improvements on deck for original water and wastewater plants that were built in 1950s and 1960s

The Town of Speedway announced today that the Speedway Town Council has approved an increase to water and wastewater rates to fund much needed capital improvements to its aging water and wastewater infrastructure.

The rate increase amounts to an additional $14.30 per month for Speedway residential users who use 4,000 gallons of water or less monthly. The increase takes effect June 1, with the first bill due in August. Speedway has not raised its rates since 2011.

In 2019, the Town began a thorough process of evaluating various water utility issues and developed a capital improvement plan to map out how it will reinvest funds in water-related infrastructure. The wastewater plant was built in 1954, with the water plant following in 1965. Both facilities are operating with the original equipment.

At the water plant, the rate increase will support updates to the existing well system; new wells; dam improvements; chemical treatment changes; improved operational processes; updates to the building facilities; and new water mains, valves and meters.

At the wastewater plant, the rate increase will support new boilers, pumps, and meters; improvements to electrical and safety measures at the lift station; a new lift station at Chapel Hill; and an overall upgrade to the plant’s life system.

“The Town of Speedway is poised to make historic investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure, which reflects our commitment to providing safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment processes to the thousands of people who live and own businesses in our community,” said Town Manager Grant Kleinhenz. “Clean and safe water is essential for our very survival, and it is incumbent upon us to protect our water supply sources. We are grateful to the citizens who have provided important feedback to us throughout this entire process and look forward to the many improvements ahead.”

The rate increase was introduced to the Speedway Town Council at its Jan. 10, 2022 meeting. Citizen comments were received from Jan. – March, with a public hearing on Feb. 28.