Bridgeville residents will pay a little more in sewage costs next year, as will residents in many other communities throughout Allegheny County.
In 2016, Bridgeville residents will pay $11.84 per 1,000 gallons of water used. That’s a 5.5% increase from the 2015 rate of $11.22 per 1,000 gallons.
The ALCOSAN service charge will also increase from $11.78 per quarter to $13.07 per quarter.
Here’s why:
When you pay your water/sewage bill, you’re being charged by two entities: the Borough of Bridgeville and ALCOSAN.
In 2016, ALCOSAN is charging its customers $.62 more per 1,000 gallons used. Another ALCOSAN rate hike is planned for 2017.
Bridgeville did not raise the rate that it charges residents
| 2015 Rates | 2016 Rates | |
| ALCOSAN Rate | $5.61 per 1,000 gallons | $6.23 per 1,000 gallons |
| Borough Rate | $5.61 per 1,000 gallons | $5.61 per 1,000 gallons |
| Total Rate | $11.22 per 1,000 gallons | $11.84 per 1,000 gallons |
| ALCOSAN Service Charge | $11.78 per quarter | $13.07 per quarter |
The story behind all of this is that the the sewage system in the greater Pittsburgh region is antiquated and porous (just like many other older cities). When heavy rains fall, raw sewage is discharged into rivers, streams, and creeks. It’s so bad that you can sign up for text message alerts from ALCOSAN that tell you when it’s unsafe to go into the water.
Now, ALCOSAN and the 80+ communities it serves are under a federal consent order to address the problem.
It’s going to be expensive. At December’s borough council meeting, councilman Nino Petrocelli, Sr. predicted that, at some point, your sewage bill will be more expensive that your other utilities combined.
But for 2016, it’s just $.62 more per 1,000 gallons.