Water meters finally coming to Delcambre

DELCAMBRE — Finally after 10-plus years of talking about it, water meters are going to happen in 2017.
The new Delcambre administration approved funding to supply water meters for commercial businesses and residents at Monday night’s meeting.
Todd Vincent of Sellers and Associates informed and updated the new aldermen and mayor on the history of the Delcambre water system.
For 10-plus years the town has been changing out old, leaking water lines throughout the town in hopes of one day putting water meters at homes and businesses in Delcambre.
Today, residents pay a flat fee of $22 a month despite how much water they use. Businesses pay a little more per month for water.
The aldermen approved borrowing and receiving grant money from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) totalling $3 million that will be paid back over a 40 year period.
Bids are expected to go out in the next four months for putting water meters in homes and businesses. Sometime this year, work will be completed.
Vincent explained to Mayor Pam Blakely that USDA requires the town to charge a certain amount in order to pay back the loan.
Whenever the meters are installed, the town will begin charging the new rates.
Residents will be charged $16.50 per month for the first 2,000 gallons and $4.60 for every 1,000 gallons used after that. Vincent estimates residents’ bills will increase to around $31 per month.
Commercial businesses will pay $21.50 for the first 2,000 gallons and $4.80 for the next 1,000 gallons.