NEWMAN LAKE, Wash. – Residents of Newman Lake might be facing a significant increase in water rates from the Moab Irrigation District 20 starting in 2025. The rate hike has stirred concerns among community members.
Rory Hodgen, a local resident, expressed her frustration over the short notice and lack of communication about the increase. “I think it’s a little insane that it’s such short notice and that the community hasn’t been aware of it and that no one has said anything about it and this is the first I’m hearing about it too,” she said.
The Moab Irrigation District serves around 720 people east of Spokane near the Idaho border. Many of these residents, including farmers, rely heavily on the water supply.
A meeting held on Tuesday revealed that the board initially proposed a 131% increase, which was later reduced to 76%. However, the exact rate increase remains unknown.
Hodgen, who uses the water supply for her family and animals, shared her concerns. “And I know for my family too. It’ll be a little bit frustrating because we have horses and a lot of animals and stuff that we have to use a lot amount of water to give to them so,” she said.
Scott Inch, the district manager, explained that the increase is necessary to keep up with inflation and cover rising costs from insurance and new regulations. The rate hike will take effect on January 1, 2025.
For context, a customer currently paying a flat rate of about $10,000 could see their bill rise to around $18,000 with a 76% hike.
Hodgen sympathized with farmers who may struggle to afford the increase. “Even though it’ll be 10 times more frustrating for them then it would be for me but still ridiculous as is,” she added.
The Moab Irrigation District will hold a special meeting on Friday at 3:00 p.m. to vote on the 2025 budget and finalize billing rates.
