Maury Service Authority adopts 8% rate hike to fund $65 million infrastructure pipeline

Maury Service Authority adopts 8% rate hike to fund $65 million infrastructure pipelineThe utility is banking the revenue increases to tackle aging infrastructure, advance a raw water pump station design, and secure alternative water sources amid regional growth.

The MSA board approved an 8% annual rate increase for FY2027, with revenues earmarked for an estimated $65 million in upcoming capital projects.

The utility is in the final design phase for a raw water pumping station and is coordinating with Dominion Power to reduce reliance on backup generators.

Engineers from CHA are finalizing resistivity testing and surface water sampling at Barker's Quarry and Buffalo Creek to identify a viable backup water supply.

Phase 1 of the Route 11 water line improvement is nearing completion, with final fittings for the Houston Street Tank expected by August.

The Maury Service Authority (MSA) has adopted an 8% annual rate increase for fiscal year 2027 as it prepares to tackle a significant backlog of aging water and wastewater infrastructure. During a June 18 quarterly update to the local council, an MSA board member confirmed that the rate hike is designed to build reserves for a capital improvement pipeline previously estimated at $65 million. That figure may rise as new mandates from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) come into effect. A recent financial audit by Robinson Farmer Cox and Associates confirmed the utility's revenues are growing in line with the projected increases, with the additional funds being banked specifically for future projects rather than day-to-day operations. High on the authority's priority list is the final design of a new raw water pumping station. While the existing permit allowed for 6 million gallons per day (MGD), current operations draw roughly 2 MGD. MSA is actively working with Dominion Power to integrate enhanced power capabilities into the new station's design, reducing the facility's reliance on emergency generators. Simultaneously, MSA is advancing its search for an alternative water source to support regional growth. The utility is awaiting a draft report from consulting firm CHA regarding recent resistivity testing. Surface water sampling is currently focused on Barker's Quarry and Buffalo Creek to determine their viability as backup supplies. Progress is also being made on near-term distribution upgrades. Phase 1 of the Route 11 water line improvement is wrapping up, with the main loop returned to service. The utility expects delivery of final 12-inch fittings for the Houston Street Tank and subsequent line rerouting connections between June and August. Regionally, MSA has stepped in to provide technical and operational support to neighboring systems in Buena Vista and Glasgow. The utility recently helped Buena Vista source replacement biological reactors following an operational failure at a local wastewater facility.