Water & sewer rates set for new utility district near Bakers Corner

County officials clarify which residents must hook up & when

The REPORTER

The Hamilton County Regional Utility District Board of Trustees recently set rates for the new water and sewer district near Bakers Corner. The $45 million project will extend sewer and water utilities east and west of U.S. 31 between 236th and 276th streets once its complete.

The approved rates are as follows:

• Residential Sewer Base Rate: $45.23 per month
• Sewer Usage Rate: $4.95 per 1,000 gallons
• Water Base Rate (5/8-inch meter): $24.36 per month
• Water Usage Rate: $4.06 per 1,000 gallons

To illustrate what residents can expect, a graphic is included that outlines three common billing scenarios for a single-family home.

• Scenario 1: Connected to sewer, not connected to water.
• Scenario 2: Connected to water and sewer, 5/8-inch meter using 4,000 gallons per month
• Scenario 3: Connected to water and sewer, 5/8-inch meter using 7,000 gallons per month

Heirbrandt

“We want to be as transparent as we can so residents can plan ahead,” said Hamilton County Commissioner and HCRUD board member Mark Heirbrandt. “We want the community to understand the real costs, know what to expect, and most importantly, know their options.”

To that end, the board would like to address several rumors and misinformation circulating among residents in the area.

“Just because your home is in the Utility District does not mean you must connect,” Heirbrandt added. “Connection is only required under specific conditions.”

Residents are required to connect to the sanitary sewer system if:

• A sewer main was installed adjacent to their property,
• They have received an official notification from the district that sewer is available, and
• Their home is within 300 feet of the sewer main.

Homeowners who don’t meet all three of these conditions are not required to connect. Those who are required to connect can choose to connect to the system or apply for a sewer connection exemption through the Hamilton County Health Department. Exemptions are granted for 10 years, with two possible five-year renewals (up to 20 years total), provided their septic system is functioning properly.

NO ONE is required to connect to public water and those who do connect may continue using their wells for irrigation, livestock, and other outdoor uses – as long as the well system is disconnected from the home’s indoor plumbing to avoid cross-connection.

For more information about connection requirements, exemption procedures, and detailed rate breakdowns, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov or contact the Hamilton County Regional Utility District General Manager C.J. Taylor at cj.taylor@hamiltoncounty.in.gov or by calling (317) 776-1517.