Date: October 25, 2022
For Release: Immediately
Contact:
Philip T. Driscoll – 683-2090
Jessica C. Lynch – 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual Water and Fire District property tax bills the week of October 24, 2022.
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate increased $0.01 over the 2021 rate. The annual District tax on a property assessed at $400,000 is $96.00.
The District encourages customers to pay tax and water bills online at PortsmouthWater.org. Online payments can be made by credit card or debit card. There are no charges assessed for online payments.
Customers who pay their tax or water bills using a bill-pay service must reference their water or tax account number on the check to ensure payment is posted to the proper account.
Payments are due on December 1, 2022. Interest of 1% each month will be applied to the unpaid balance for any accounts not paid by the due date.
Any District property owner that has not received a water district tax bill by mid-November should contact the District office at 683-2090.
DATE: June 9, 2022
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, are as follows:
MODERATOR – Three-year term
David G. Reise Votes – 115
Write-In: Gary Gump Votes – 2
Write-In: Larry Votes – 1
Undervotes 4
TREASURER – Three-year term
William L. Douglas, Jr. Votes – 111
Write-In: Susan Fitzmorris Votes – 1
Write-In: Paul Kesson Votes – 1
Write-In: Moe Votes – 1
Undervotes 8
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 122
Total Eligible Voters – 13,902
Percent Voting – 0.87%
DATE: May 18, 2022
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman, 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will hold its annual election of officers on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road. The polls will open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.
Of the Board’s seven seats, the positions of one (1) Moderator and one (1) Treasurer are up for election.
Running for the position of Moderator is David G. Reise of 66 Freeborn St.
Running for the position of Treasurer is William L. Douglas, Jr. of 524 Middle Rd.
Voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
The Administrative Board for the Portsmouth Water and Fire District approved a $5.23 million operating budget for its 2023 fiscal year that began on May 1st. The 2023 fiscal operating budget is 6.47% more than the 2022 fiscal budget. The approved total budget, which includes capital expenditures and principal payments on debt service, is $5.57 million. The total 2023 fiscal budget is 3.91% more than the total 2022 fiscal budget.
There are no increases in water usage rates. There is an increase in the base charge to reflect the current cost of service, including an update to actual meter pricing. The quarterly water rates are $8.37 per thousand for the first 5,000 gallons and $11.80 per thousand for all water use over 5,000 gallons in the quarter. The average residential customer that uses 60,000 gallons of water per year would have an annual cost of $710.44.
The tax rate will increase by $0.01 for 2023; the Board set the District’s property tax rate at $0.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value. For a District property assessed at a value of $400,000, the tax bill would be $96.00. Property tax revenue accounts for about 14% of the District’s total revenue. The use of its taxing authority allows the District to issue general obligation bonds, which offer a more favorable interest rate than revenue bonds, when funding capital projects.
Philip Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman, indicated that the District is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, and to improve efficiency through technology, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board will continue to ensure that the cost it pays for wholesale water is fair and reasonable by working with Newport Water and intervening in Newport rate filings before the Public Utilities Commission, as necessary.
Date: October 20, 2021
For Release: Immediately
Contact:
Philip T. Driscoll – 683-2090
Jessica C. Lynch – 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual water and fire district property tax bills the week of October 25, 2021.
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.23 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate did not change from the 2020 rate. The annual District tax on a property assessed at $400,000 is $92.00.
The District encourages customers to pay tax and water bills online at PortsmouthWater.org. Online payments can be made by credit card, debit card or banking account withdrawal. There are no charges assessed for online payments.
Customers who pay their tax or water bills using a bill-pay service must reference their water or tax account number on the check to ensure payment is posted to the proper account.
Payments are due on December 1, 2021. Interest of 1% each month will be applied to the unpaid balance for any accounts not paid by the due date. Any District property owner that has not received a water district tax bill by mid-November should contact the District office at 683-2090.
DATE: September 22, 2021
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Phillip Driscoll 683-2090
Jessica Lynch 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be flushing water mains from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. per the following schedule:
Oct. 4
East Main Road from Pine Tree Rd. to Hargraves Dr., Middle Road from Town Hall to Mill Ln.
Mill Ln. from Middle Rd. to West Main Rd. West Main Rd., from Union St. to Hedly St. including Flanagan Rd. and John Street.
Hedly St. from East Main Rd. to West Main Rd. and all side streets, including Industrial Park
Oct. 5
Middle Road from Mill Ln. to Benjamin Dr. and all side streets to the west, Mill Lane and all side streets, West Passage Drive to Locust Avenue, Stonegate Drive, Greylock Drive, and Greystone Terrace area. Kings Grant to Corys Ln. including St. Phil’s
Oct. 6
East Main Road to Middle Road, from Town Hall to Union Street. Including all streets between East Main Rd. to Middle Rd.
Oct. 7
East Main Road from Sherwood Terrace to Vanderbilt Lane, East Main Rd. to the Sakonnet River, Union Street, Jepson Lane, and all side streets.
Oct. 12
East Main Road from Lawrence Farms to Fairview Lane and side streets. Vanderbilt Lane to Sandy Point Avenue and all side streets.
Oct. 13
East Main Road from Union Street to Mitchell Lane and side streets, Oakland Farms, Bramans Lane east to Meadowlark Lane. Sandy Point Avenue and Sandy Point Farms.
Oct. 14
Wapping Road to Old Mill Lane. Bramans Lane and side streets. Old Mill Lane, Indian Avenue and side streets.
Oct. 18
Sprague Street and side streets from Turnpike Avenue to East Main Road, Portsmouth High School, East Main Road from Chase Ter. to Sprague St. including Atria and Immokolee Dr. to Fox Run Rd.
Oct. 19
Turnpike Avenue from Sprague Street to East Main Rd., and side streets; West Main Road from Statue Way to Sprague Street and side streets.
Oct. 20
Willow Lane and Sprague Street, Bristol Ferry Road to Camara Drive and Mitchell Road, and side streets.
Oct. 21
Bristol Ferry Road from Cherokee Drive to Bay View Avenue, Boyds Lane to East Main Road and side streets. East Main Road from Sprague Street and Child Street to Boyds Lane and side streets, including Viking Drive area.
Oct. 26
Island Park and Hummocks Point areas.
Oct. 27
East Main Road from Child Street to Clements and side streets to Sakonnet River. Also Common Fence Point.
Oct. 28
Common Fence Point.
Discoloration of the water is expected during and after the flushing. Flushing in one area may create discolored water in other areas. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and those with hot water tanks are advised to avoid drawing hot water during the flushing hours and until any discoloration has cleared. It is expected that the water will clear by midday after the flushing. Customers may also experience low water pressure during the flushing. This schedule is subject to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: THURSDAY, July 8, 2021
Contact: Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer, (401) 845-5350
Hydrant Flushing Underway in Middletown, Portsmouth
Water Being Flushed to Allow New Source Water into System
NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021) –The Newport Water Division, which supplies drinking
water to the majority of Aquidneck Island, is currently performing hydrant flushing after receiving
reports of discolored water in parts of Middletown and Portsmouth.
After investigating the reports, Newport Water Division personnel determined that water being
drawn from the Lawton Valley Reservoir in Portsmouth was displaying increased level of manganese,
a naturally occurring mineral that can affect the taste, odor, and color in drinking water.
The service area for the Lawton Valley Plant includes the majority of Middletown and the Portsmouth
Water & Fire District, however does not supply Newport customers.
Upon determining the cause, Newport Water began drawing from the Watson Reservoir in Little
Compton and the treatment has greatly improved. For the past two days, hydrant flushing has been
used to expedite the discharge of any problem water still in the system’s water storage tanks and
introduce the improved water into circulation.
Manganese is mineral and is a Secondary Drinking Water Standard. Secondary Drinking Water
Standards established by EPA are non-enforceable guidelines regarding contaminants that may
cause aesthetic effects such as taste, odor or color in drinking water.
Newport Water apologizes for the inconvenience and is working to diligently to correct the situation.
DATE: June 10, 2021
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, are as follows:
TAX COLLECTOR – Three-year term
Frederick W. Faerber III Votes – 74
Incumbent
Write-In: November Election Votes – 1
TAX ASSESSOR – Three-year term
Theodore T. Czech Votes – 71
Incumbent
David M. Gleason Votes – 69
Incumbent
Write-In: November Election Votes – 2
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 79
Total Eligible Voters – 13,915
Percent Voting – 0.57 %
Date: June 2, 2021
For Release: Immediately
Contact:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
PORTSMOUTH WATER DISTRICT RELEASES
2020 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The Portsmouth Water District’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) was mailed to District water customers on May 26th and May 27th. The CCR indicates that the District’s drinking water met or surpassed all federal standards in 2020.
The CCR, which is required of all public water suppliers by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, summarizes the District’s water sources and provides information on regulated and unregulated contaminants in the water. The CCR also provides important health information on drinking water, including bottled water, particularly for those people that may be immuno-compromised.
The District does not own any water supplies, but purchases its regular water supply on a wholesale basis from the Newport Water Department and relies on the Stone Bridge Fire District in Tiverton for emergency water supply.
Copies of the report are available at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road and the Portsmouth Free Public Library. The report is also available on the Internet at portsmouthwater.org/reports. Customers with questions on the report or about water quality in general are encouraged to call the District’s office at 683-2090.
DATE: May 28, 2021
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman, 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, registered voters residing in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will elect one (1) Tax Collector and two (2) Tax Assessors for a three-year term to the seven member Administrative Board. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the District’s office at 1944 East Main Road.
Incumbent Frederick W. Faerber, III of 271 Sprague St. is running for the Tax Collector’s seat.
Incumbents Theodore T. Czech of 120 Roger Williams Ct. and David M. Gleason of 63 Massasoit Ave. are running for the Tax Assessor’s seat.
As required by State Law, voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
May 5, 2021 – NOTICE TO PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT RESIDENTS
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will hold its annual election on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the Portsmouth Water and Fire District Office. One Tax Collector and two Tax Assessors will be elected for three-year terms.
Declaration of candidacy and nomination papers may be requested through email at info@portsmouthwater.org on or after April 9, 2021 and must be returned to said office no later than 4:00 P.M. on May 10, 2021.
Philip T. Driscoll, Clerk
Date: October 21, 2020
For Release: Immediately
Contact:
Philip T. Driscoll – 683-2090
Jessica Lynch – 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual water district property tax bills on October 28, 2020.
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.23 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate has increased by $0.02 over the 2019 rate. The annual District tax on a property assessed at $400,000 is $92.00.
The District office remains closed at this time due to Covid-19, however, the District encourages customers to pay tax and water bills online at PortsmouthWater.org. Online payments can be made by credit card or debit card. There are no charges assessed for online payments. Additionally, payments can be made by mail or at the payment slot located at the District office.
Tax bills are due on December 1, 2020. Interest of 1% each month will be applied to the unpaid balance for any accounts not paid by the due date.
Any District property owner that has not received a water district tax bill by mid November should contact the District office at 683-2090.
DATE: June 10, 2020
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, are as follows:
CLERK – Three-year term
Philip T. Driscoll Votes – 109
Incumbent
Write-In: November Elections Votes – 1
WATER COMMISSIONER – Three-year term
Andrew V. Kelly Votes – 92
Incumbent
Write-In: November Elections Votes – 1
Write-In: Donald Duck Votes – 1
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 112
Total Eligible Voters – 13,667
Percent Voting – 0.82%
DATE: May 20, 2020
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman, 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will hold its annual election of officers on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road. The polls will open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.
Of the Board’s seven seats, the positions of one (1) Clerk and one (1) Water Commissioner are up for election.
Running for the position of Clerk is Philip T. Driscoll of 169 Immokolee Dr.
Running for the position of Water Commissioner is Andrew V. Kelly of 33 Pine St.
As required by the recent change in State Law, voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
Update on Emergency Response Procedures from the Portsmouth Water District
03/19/20
The Portsmouth Water District will be taking precautionary measures to mitigate exposure and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our customers and employees while responding to water emergencies. We are committed to safe and reliable service to our customers and are doing our part to protect the community which we service.
In keeping with public health guidelines, we are taking precautionary measures to limit your exposure and that of our employees.
What to Expect
If you experience a water emergency within your home, you will be asked the following questions prior to an employee being dispatched to assist:
If the answer is yes to any of the above questions our staff will work with you to determine the best course of action to our response. Our employees have been instructed to take precautionary measures to mitigate their and your exposure to limit the risk of infection. Some of the precautions include, frequent handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer, avoiding touching mouth, nose and eyes, keeping a safe distance from anyone who is quarantined or sick, using appropriate PPE when responding to a residence where someone is quarantined or sick, and staying home if they are sick.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this difficult time.
DATE: March 16, 2020
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
Due to increased health concerns regarding COVID-19, the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be closed to the public until further notice. Payments can be made through the payment slot located at the office, through the mail, or at www.portsmouthwater.org. During this time, Portsmouth Water and Fire District will not be turning off water due to non-payment.
Additionally, service appointments will be limited to emergency situations only.
Should you have any questions, the office will be available to answer calls Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm at 401-683-2090.
3/14/2020
Portsmouth Water & Fire District office will be closed to the public until further notice. Payments can be made via mail, entrance mail slot, or online.
Date: November 12, 2019
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Jessica Lynch – 683-2090
Motorists are advised that from Thursday, November 14, 2019 to Friday, November 15, 2019, the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be repairing a Water Main in the right-hand, south-bound lane / shoulder of East Main Road (Route 138) in the area just north of the Portsmouth Fire Station & Portsmouth Police Station.
South bound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised that construction vehicles will be entering and leaving the area. It is expected that traffic will be impacted from 7:00 AM until approximately 4:00 PM. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
Date: November 6, 2019
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Jessica Lynch – 683-2090
Motorists are advised that on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be repairing a Water Main in the right-hand, south-bound lane / shoulder of East Main Road (Route 138) in the area just north of the Portsmouth Fire Station & Portsmouth Police Station.
South bound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised that construction vehicles will be entering and leaving the area. It is expected that traffic will be impacted from 7:00 AM until approximately 4:00 PM. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
DATE: October 7, 2019
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Phillip Driscoll 683-2090
Jessica Lynch 683-2090
NOTICE TO PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT CUSTOMERS
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be flushing water mains from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. per the following schedule:
Oct. 21
Sprague Street and side streets from Turnpike Avenue to East Main Road, Portsmouth High School, East Main Road to Hargraves Drive from Sprague Street.
Oct. 22
Sprague Street to Freeborn Street, Turnpike Avenue and side streets; West Main Road from Statue Way to Sprague Street and side streets.
Oct. 23
Willow Lane and Sprague Street, Bristol Ferry Road to Camara Drive and Mitchell Road, and side streets.
Oct. 24
Bristol Ferry Road from Cherokee Drive to Bayview Avenue, Boyds Lane to East Main Road and side streets. East Main Road from Sprague Street and Child Street to Boyds Lane and side streets, including Viking Drive area.
Oct. 28
Island Park and Hummocks Point areas.
Oct. 29
East Main Road from Child Street to Clements and Aquidneck Place and side streets to Sakonnet River. Also, Common Fence Point.
Oct. 30
Common Fence Point.
Discoloration of the water is expected during and after the flushing. Flushing in one area may create discolored water in other areas. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and those with hot water tanks are advised to avoid drawing hot water during the flushing hours and until any discoloration has cleared. It is expected that the water will clear by midday after the flushing. Customers may also experience low water pressure during the flushing. This schedule is subject to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
DATE: September 30 2019
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Phillip Driscoll 683-2090
Jessica Lynch 683-2090
NOTICE TO PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT CUSTOMERS
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be flushing water mains from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. per the following schedule:
Oct. 7
East Main Road and Middle Road from Pine Tree Road to Hargraves Drive. Hedly Street and all side streets, including Industrial Park. Corys Lane and all side streets. Kings Grant and all side streets. West Main Road from Hedly Street to Union Street, including Father Flanagan’s and John Street.
Oct. 8
Middle Road and all side streets to the west, Mill Lane and all side streets, West Passage Drive to Locust Avenue, Stonegate Drive, Greylock Drive, and Greystone Terrace area.
Oct. 9
East Main Road to Middle Road, from Town Hall to Union Street.
Oct. 10
East Main Road from Sherwood Terrace to Vanderbilt Lane, east to the Sakonnet River, Union Street, Jepson Lane, and all side streets.
Oct. 15
East Main Road from Lawrence Farms to Fairview Lane and side streets. Vanderbilt Lane to Sandy Point Avenue and all side streets.
Oct. 16
East Main Road from Union Street to Mitchell Lane and side streets, Oakland Farms, Bramans Lane east to Meadow Lark Lane. Sandy Point Avenue and Sandy Point Farms.
Oct. 17
Wapping Road to Old Mill Lane. Bramans Lane and side streets. Old Mill Lane, Indian Avenue and side streets.
Discoloration of the water is expected during and after the flushing. Flushing in one area may create discolored water in other areas. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and those with hot water tanks are advised to avoid drawing hot water during the flushing hours and until any discoloration has cleared. It is expected that the water will clear by midday after the flushing. Customers may also experience low water pressure during the flushing. This schedule is subject to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
DATE: June 12, 2019
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, are as follows:
MODERATOR – Three year term
Tasha M. MacGibbon Votes – 117
David G. Reise Votes – 235
John Vitkevich Votes – 54
Write-In: Votes –
Write-In: Votes –
Write-In: Votes –
TREASURER – Three year term
Debra Cardoza Votes – 161
Allen J. Shers Votes – 234
Incumbent
Write-In: Constance Harding Votes – 1
Write-In: John Vitkevich Votes – 1
Write-In: Anyone but these two!! Votes – 1
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 413
Total Eligible Voters – 13,614
Percent Voting – 3%
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
WATER DISTRICT ELECTION SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
On Wednesday, June 12, 2019, registered voters residing in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will elect one (1) Moderator and one (1) Treasurer for a three year term to the seven member Administrative Board. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the District’s office at 1944 East Main Road.
Tasha M. MacGibbon of 47 McCorrie Ln., David G. Reise of 66 Freeborn St. and John Vitkevich of 119 Hummock Ave. are running for the Moderator’s seat.
Debra Cardoza of 99 Summit Rd. and incumbent Allen J. Shers is running for the Treasurer’s seat.
As required by the recent change in State Law, voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
DATE: May 22, 2019
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman, 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will hold its annual election of officers on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road. The polls will open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.
Of the Board’s seven seats, the positions of one (1) Moderator and one (1) Treasurer are up for election.
Running for the position of Moderator are Tasha M. MacGibbon of 47 McCorrie Ln., David G. Reise of 66 Freeborn St. and John Vitkevich of 119 Hummock Ave.
Running for the position of Treasurer is Debra Cardoza of 99 Summit Rd. and incumbent Allen J. Shers III of 40 Roger Williams Ct.
As required by the recent change in State Law, voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
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Date: August 16, 2018
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Jessica Lynch – 683-2090
Motorists are advised that on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 21& 22, 2018, the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be repairing / replacing a water main in the right-hand, south-bound lane of East Main Road (Route 138) in the area from Moitoza Lane to Bramans Lane.
North and south bound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Motorists are advised that construction vehicles will be entering and leaving the area. It is expected that traffic will be impacted from 6:00 AM until approximately 6:00 PM. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
Date: June 25, 2018
For Release: Immediately
Contact:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
PORTSMOUTH WATER DISTRICT RELEASES
2017 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The Portsmouth Water District’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) was mailed to District water customers on June 20th and June 21st. The CCR indicates that the District’s drinking water met or surpassed all federal standards in 2017.
The CCR, which is required of all public water suppliers by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, summarizes the District’s water sources and provides information on regulated and unregulated contaminants in the water. The CCR also provides important health information on drinking water, including bottled water, particularly for those people that may be immuno-compromised.
The District does not own any water supplies, but purchases its regular water supply on a wholesale basis from the Newport Water Department and relies on the Stone Bridge Fire District in Tiverton for emergency water supply.
Copies of the report are available at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road and the Portsmouth Free Public Library. The report is also available in the Consumer Confidence Report section on this website.
Customers with questions on the report or about water quality in general are encouraged to call the District’s office at 683-2090.
DATE: June 14, 2018
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-2090
The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, are as follows:
TAX ASSESSOR – Three year term
Walter H. Coelho Votes – 63
Theodore T. Czech Votes – 216
Incumbent
David M. Gleason Votes – 173
John McDaid Votes – 161
Write-In: Norb Rattan Votes – 1
Write-In: Denis Coffey Votes – 1
Write-In: John Vitkevich Votes – 19
Write-In: Mcfadden Votes – 1
Write-In: Daniela Abbott Votes – 1
TAX COLLECTOR – Three year term
Frederick W. Faerber, III Votes – 283
Write-In: John Vitkevich Votes – 82
Write-In: Greg Delong Votes – 1
Write-In: Alan Sher Votes – 1
Write-In: Phil Driscoll Votes – 1
Write-In: Neil Carbery Votes – 1
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 421
Total Eligible Voters – 13,527
Percent Voting – 3.1%
FOR RELEASE: June 1, 2018
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman, 683-2090
Jessica C. Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer, 683-2090
WATER DISTRICT ELECTION SET FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13
On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, registered voters residing in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District will elect two (2) Tax Assessors and one (1) Tax Collector for a three year term to the seven member Administrative Board. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the District’s office at 1944 East Main Road.
Walter H. Coelho of 162 King Phillip St., incumbent Theodore T. Czech of 120 Roger Williams Ct., David M. Gleason of 63 Massasoit Ave., and John McDaid of 65 Gormley Ave. are running for the Tax Assessor’s seat.
Incumbent Frederick W. Faerber, III is running for the Tax Collector’s seat.
As required by the recent change in State Law, voters will be required to show identification to vote in the District’s election.
DATE: May 14, 2018
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACTS:
Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-2090
Jessica Lynch, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
The Administrative Board for the Portsmouth Water and Fire District approved a $4.32 million operating budget for its 2019 fiscal year that began on May 1st. The 2019 fiscal operating budget has increased 3.65% compared to the 2018 fiscal budget. The approved total budget, which includes capital expenditures and principal payments on debt service, is $4.75 million. There is a 4.51% increase in the 2019 fiscal budget compared to the 2018 fiscal budget.
There are no increases in water usage rates or base charges in the approved budget. The quarterly water rates are $7.28 for the first 5,000 gallons and $10.71 for all water use over 5,000 gallons in the quarter. The average residential customer that uses 60,000 gallons of water per year would have an annual cost of $624.04.
The Board set the District’s property tax rate at $0.21 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which is a $0.01 decrease from the approved FY-18 budget. For a District property assessed at a value of $400,000, the tax bill would be $84.00. Property tax revenue accounts for less than 13.0% of the District’s total revenue. The use of its taxing authority allows the District to issue general obligation bonds, which offer a more favorable interest rate than revenue bonds, when funding capital projects.
Philip Driscoll, Administrative Board chairman, indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, and to improve efficiency through technology, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers.
To help improve the District’s operational efficiency, Mr. Driscoll encourages customers to pay District water and tax bills using the District’s online payment portal. The portal allows customers to pay by checking account, debit card or credit card at no cost to the customer. To pay online, customers should log on to portsmouthwater.org and click on Pay My Bill. Additionally, customers are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED to be notified of emergencies and shutdowns. Go to https://portsmouthwater.org/codered-emergency-notification-system/ to learn more and to sign up.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
for
MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS TO WATER SYSTEM
January 18, 2018
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS: Full Proposal Download (PDF)
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be accepting proposals for Miscellaneous Construction and Repairs to the District’s water system for the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.
Proposals will be received by the Portsmouth Water and Fire District at the main office, 1944 East Main Road, P.O. Box 99, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, 02871 until 2:00 PM (EST), Friday, February 9, 2018, at which time they will be publicly opened and available for review. Each proposal must be submitted on the required Proposal Form. Each proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Portsmouth Water and Fire District, and shall be clearly marked on the outside as “Proposal for Miscellaneous Construction and Repairs to Water System”.
Proposal Forms and Specifications are available at the Portsmouth Water and Fire District, 1944 East Main Road, P.O. Box 99, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
DATE: October 20, 2017
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS: Phillip Driscoll 683-2090 | Jessica Lynch 683-2090
NOTICE TO PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT CUSTOMERS
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be flushing water mains from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. per the following schedule:
Nov 6 – Sprague Street and side streets from Turnpike Avenue to East Main Road, Portsmouth High School, East Main Road to Hargraves Drive from Sprague Street.
Nov 7 – Sprague Street to Freeborn Street, Turnpike Avenue and side streets; West Main Road from Statue Way to Sprague Street and side streets.
Nov 8 – Willow Lane and Sprague Street, Bristol Ferry Road to Camara Drive and Mitchell Road, and side streets.
Nov 13 – Bristol Ferry Road from Cherokee Drive to Bayview Avenue, Boyds Lane to East Main Road and side streets. East Main Road from Sprague Street and Child Street to Boyds Lane and side streets, including Viking Drive area.
Nov 14 – Island Park and Hummocks Point areas.
Nov 15 – East Main Road from Child Street to Clements and Aquidneck Place and side streets to Sakonnet River. Also Common Fence Point.
Nov 16 – Common Fence Point.
Discoloration of the water is expected during and after the flushing. Flushing in one area may create discolored water in other areas. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and those with hot water tanks are advised to avoid drawing hot water during the flushing hours and until any discoloration has cleared. It is expected that the water will clear by midday after the flushing. Customers may also experience low water pressure during the flushing. This schedule is subject to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
DATE: September 27, 2017
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS: Phillip Driscoll 683-3081 | William McGlinn 683-2090
NOTICE TO PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT CUSTOMERS
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be flushing water mains from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. per the following schedule:
Oct 10 – East Main Road and Middle Road from Crossings Court to Hedly Street. Hedly Street and all side streets, including Industrial Park. Corys Lane and all side streets. Kings Grant and all side streets. West Main Road from Hedly Street to Union Street, including Father Flanagan’s and John Street.
Oct 11 – Middle Road and all side streets to the west, Mill Lane and all side streets, West Passage Drive to Locust Avenue, Stonegate Drive, Greylock Drive, and Greystone Terrace area.
Oct 12 – East Main Road to Middle Road, from Town Hall to Union Street.
Oct 16 – East Main Road from Sherwood Terrace Vanderbilt Lane, east to the Sakonnet River, Union Street, Jepson Lane, and all side streets.
Oct 17 – East Main Road from Lawrence Farms to Sherwood Terrace. Vanderbilt Lane to Sandy Point Avenue and all side streets.
Oct 18 – East Main Road from Union Street to Mitchell Lane and side streets, Oakland Farms, Bramans Lane east to Meadow Lark Lane. Sandy Point Avenue and Sandy Point Farms.
Oct 19 – Wapping Road to Old Mill Lane. Bramans Lane and side streets. Old Mill Lane, Indian Avenue and side streets.
Discoloration of the water is expected during and after the flushing. Flushing in one area may create discolored water in other areas. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes and those with hot water tanks are advised to avoid drawing hot water during the flushing hours and until any discoloration has cleared. It is expected that the water will clear by midday after the flushing. Customers may also experience low water pressure during the flushing. This schedule is subject to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
DATE: June 6, 2017FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACTS: Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-2090 William J. McGlinn, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
The Administrative Board for the Portsmouth Water and Fire District approved a $4.17 million operating budget for its 2018 fiscal year that began on May 1st. The 2018 fiscal operating budget is 4.8% less than the 2017 fiscal budget. The approved total budget, which includes capital expenditures and principal payments on debt service, is $4.54 million. The total 2018 fiscal budget is 2.8% less than the total 2017 fiscal budget.
There are no increases in water usage rates or base charges in the approved budget. In addition the tax rate is unchanged for 2018, although there may be minor changes in the tax bills for individual customers due to the 2017 revaluation of property within the District by the Town of Portsmouth. By law, the independent Water and Fire District is required to use the property valuations established by the town.
The quarterly water rates are $7.28 for the first 5,000 gallons and $10.71 for all water use over 5,000 gallons in the quarter. The average residential customer that uses 60,000 gallons of water per year would have an annual cost of $624.04.
For a District property assessed at a value of $400,000, the tax bill would be $88.00. Property tax revenue accounts for less than 13.0% of the District’s total revenue. The use of its taxing authority allows the District to issue general obligation bonds, which offer a more favorable interest rate than revenue bonds, when funding capital projects.
Philip Driscoll, Administrative Board chairman, indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, and to improve efficiency through technology, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers
To help improve the District’s operational efficiency, Mr. Driscoll encourages customers to pay District water and tax bills using the District’s online payment portal. The portal allows customers to pay by checking account, debit card or credit card at no cost to the customer. To pay online, customers should log on to portsmouthwater.org and click on Pay My Bill.
DATE: October 19, 2016
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS: Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 683-3081
William J. McGlinn, General Manager – 683-2090
Annual water district property tax bills.
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual water district property tax bills on October 21, 2016.
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.22 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate has increased by $0.01 over the 2015 rate. The annual District tax on a property assessed at $400,000 is $88.00.
The District encourages customers to pay tax and water bills online at PortsmouthWater.org. Online payments can be made by credit card, debit card or banking account withdrawal. There are no charges assessed for online payments.
Tax bills are due on December 1, 2016. Interest of 1% each month will be applied to the unpaid balance for any accounts not paid by the due date.
Any District property owner that has not received a water district tax bill by mid November should contact the District office at 683-2090.
DATE: May 17, 2016
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACTS: Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-2090 William J. McGlinn, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District announced a 13.88% increase in its operating budget for fiscal year 2017. The District’s combined operating and capital budget increased by 12.54%. The District’s fiscal year began on May 1. The budget includes a 9.78% increase in its two-tier water rate schedule and a 13.6% increase in the base charge for a residential meter. The Administrative Board approved an operating budget of $4,379,263 and a total budget of $4,670,434.
According to the District, the increases are necessary to address several issues. In December of 2015, the City of Newport filed with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for a wholesale water rate increase to the District of 28% to take effect on July 1, 2016. The increase in the wholesale cost of water purchased from Newport accounts for almost seventy-five percent of the District’s total budget increase. In addition, the District added a staff accountant to improve its financial management and reporting, including new state reporting requirements for fire districts. Also, due to the increasing age of the distribution system, there has been an upward trend in the cost of system repairs, including a needed $35,000 repair on the subaqueous water main under the Sakonnet River between Portsmouth and Tiverton.
Administrative Board Chairman Phil Driscoll indicated that the water rate increases are necessary to maintain a balanced budget while funding the District’s operating costs, technology improvements, capital improvements and debt service. In addition, Mr. Driscoll said that the Administrative Board has put an emphasis on increased leak detection to reduce lost water.
The new quarterly water rates are $7.28 for the first 5,000 gallons and $10.71 for all water use over 5,000 gallons in the quarter. The average residential customer that uses 60,000 gallons of water per year would have an annual cost of $624.04, an increase $57.00, or 9.1%, over fiscal 2016.
The Board set the District’s property tax rate at $0.22 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which is an increase of $0.01 from FY-16. For a District property assessed at a value of $400,000, the tax would increase from $84.00 to $88.00. Property tax revenue accounts for less that13.0% of the District’s total revenue. The use of its taxing authority allows the District to issue general obligation bonds, which offer a more favorable interest rate than revenue bonds, when funding capital projects.
Mr. Driscoll indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board will continue to ensure that the cost it pays for wholesale water is fair and reasonable by working with Newport Water and intervening in Newport rate filings before the Public Utilities Commission, as necessary.
DATE: November 23, 2015
FOR RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACT: Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 808-0000
William J. McGlinn, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District has announced a new grace period for payment of District tax bills. Effective immediately, there will be a seven (7) day grace period for tax payments. Tax bills that are not paid by the end of the seventh calendar day after the due date will incur interest charges. Payments must be received in the office by hand delivery, mail or online payment before the end of the grace period.Portsmouth
In prior years, the Administrative Board would vote each year to offer a 30 day grace period on tax bills. This new tax bill grace period matches the District’s water bill grace period for consistency. The interest rate for late payments is unchanged at 1% per month.
Tax bills may be paid online at www.PortsmouthWater.org using a debt or credit card. Recurring automatic payment by debt or credit card or checking account withdrawal is also available on line. There is no charge to the customer to use the District’s online payment system.
The District’s tax account number and water account number is different for the same property. Customers are urged to reference the correct account number when making payments by bank online check or bill pay service to avoid misapplication of payment and possible penalty charges.
The 2015 District tax bill is due on December 1, 2015. Bills were mailed on October 23, 2015. Any property owner within the District that did not receive a District tax bill should call the office at 683-2090.
DATE: June 11, 2015
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACTS: William J. McGlinn, General Manager – 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 808-0000
TAX ASSESSOR – Three year term
Theodore T. Czech: Votes – 64 Elected
Incumbent
Michael W. Nott: Votes – 54 Elected
Write-In | Votes – 0
TAX COLLECTOR – Three year term
Frederick W. Faerber III: Votes – 55 Elected
Write-In | Andrew Kelly: Votes – 1
TREASURER – One year term
Allen J. Shers: Votes – 63 Elected
Write-In | Norman Cote: Votes – 1
SUMMARY
Total Ballots Cast – 69
Total Eligible Voters – 12,779
Percent Voting – 0.54%
Theodore T. Czech, Michael W. Nott, Frederick W. Faerber III and Allen J. Shers will be sworn in at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on June 16, 2015 at 7:00 PM.The results of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District annual election held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 are as follows:
DATE: June 3, 2015
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 808-0000
William J. McGlinn, General Manager – 683-2090
PORTSMOUTH WATER AND FIRE DISTRICT RELEASES
2014 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) was mailed to District water customers during the week of June 1st. The CCR indicates that the District’s drinking water met or surpassed all federal standards in 2014, except the standard for total trihalomethanes. According to the CCR, the District does not own any water supplies, but purchases its regular water supply on a wholesale basis from the Newport Water Department and relies on the Stone Bridge Fire District in Tiverton for emergency water supply.
The CCR, which is required of all public water suppliers by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, summarizes the District’s water sources and provides information on regulated and unregulated contaminants in the water. The CCR also provides important health information on drinking water, including bottled water, particularly for those people that may be immuno-compromised.
The CCR indicates that in August 2014 the District was in violation of the EPA standard for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which are a by-product of drinking water chlorination and are a suspected carcinogen. The CCR shows that in 2014 the District’s highest four-quarter Running Annual Average TTHM level was 89.2 parts per billion (ppb), which is above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 80.0 ppb. The District was back in compliance with the standard in November 2014, following the activation by the City of Newport of its new Lawton Valley Water Treatment Plant in September 2014. The CCR noted that the new treatment plant with its advanced treatment capabilities has made a significant and measurable improvement in the TTHM levels.
Copies of the report are available at the District’s main office at 1944 East Main Road and the Portsmouth Free Public Library. The report is also available on the Internet at http://www.portsmouthwater.org.
Customers with questions on the report or about water quality in general are encouraged to call the District’s office at 683-2090.
DATE: June 1, 2015
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman – 808-0000
William J. McGlinn, General Manager – 683-2090
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District announced a 2.57% increase in its operating budget for fiscal year 2016. The District’s combined operating and capital budget increased by 2.14%. The District’s fiscal year began on May 1. The budget includes a 15.4% increase in its two-tier water rate schedule and a $0.44 increase in all base charges. The Administrative Board approved an operating budget of $3,845,597 and a total budget of $4,150,209.
According to the District, the water rate increase is necessary to address several issues. The fiscal 2015 budget did not include the full 19.4% rate increase that went into effect on July 1, 2014 for the wholesale cost of water the District purchases from Newport. The Newport increase is reflected for the full twelve months of fiscal 2016 budget. In addition, the actual water sales volumes for fiscal 2015 compared to budget were 4% higher for sales in the first-tier water rate and 4% lower for sales in the second-tier water rate resulting in a revenue shortfall. This structural deficit has been corrected in the 2016 budget. Also, the District’s total annual water sales have been decreasing at an annual rate of 2% over the last six years. Projected water sales for the fiscal 2016 budget have been adjusted downward to correct for the decreasing demand trend in order to ensure that actual revenue matches budget revenue.
Other issues requiring the rate increase include the need to increase temporary, part-time staff time to meet the customer service demands resulting from the fiscal 2015 switch to quarterly billing and a recent upward trend in leakage in the aging water distribution system.
Administrative Board Chairman Phil Driscoll indicated that the water rate increases are necessary to maintain a balanced budget while funding the District’s operating costs, technology improvements, capital improvements and debt service. In addition, Driscoll said that the Administrative Board has put an emphasis on increased leak detection to reduce lost water.
The new water rates are $6.63 for the first 5,000 gallons in the quarter and $9.76 for all water use over 5,000 gallons in the quarter. The average residential customer that uses 15,000 gallons of water per quarter would have a quarterly bill of $146.14 for an increase over fiscal 2015 of $17.89. By comparison, the retail customers of the Newport Water system pay residential rates of $10.02 per 1,000 gallons and non-residential rates of $11.22 per 1,000 gallons.
The District’s property tax rate of $0.20 per thousand dollars of assessed value will remain unchanged from last year. For a District property assessed at a value of $400,000, the tax would remain to be $80.00. Property tax revenue represents 13.0% of the District’s total revenue.
Mr. Driscoll indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board will continue to ensure that the cost it pays for wholesale water is fair and reasonable by working with Newport Water and intervening in Newport rate filings before the Public Utilities Commission, as necessary.
DATE: May 13, 2014
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 808-0000
William J. McGlinn, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Water and Fire District customers can expect a significant jump in water rates this year. According to Administrative Board Chairman, Philip T. Driscoll, the Board voted on April 28th to increase its water rates by an average increase of 29.8% for fiscal year 2015, which began on May 1st.
Mr. Driscoll said that in large part, the rate increases are attributable to a 19.41% increase in the wholesale cost of water purchased from the City of Newport. The increase from Newport is necessary to pay for the District’s share of the $84 million in debt service required for Newport to replace the Lawton Valley Water Treatment Plant in Portsmouth and to significantly upgrade the Station One Water Treatment Plant in Newport. Construction of the plants began in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.
Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Administrative Board has restructured its billing practices. All water customers will be switched to quarterly billing beginning in May of 2014, while a handful of larger water users will be switched to monthly billing. The District will bill one-third of the quarterly customers each month in order to smooth out the staff workload for billing and payment processing. As part of this transition to quarterly billing, in their first quarterly bill only, some customers will be billed for two months of consumption and others will be billed for four months of consumption.
In addition, Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board has revised its water rate structure. The Board voted to eliminate the minimum charge that was billed in advance of service, which included twenty thousand gallons of water. Customers will now pay a quarterly base charge and a commodity charge, both billed in arrears, for the water metered during the quarter. In addition, the Board reduced the number of increasing water rate blocks from four tiers to two tiers. The first-tier rate for consumption between one and five thousand gallons per quarter will be $5.74 per thousand gallons. The second-tier rate will be $8.47 per thousand gallons for all consumption over five thousand gallons per quarter. The base charge will vary by meter size and will include the cost for the District to maintain and replace the water meter, radio reader and the curb stop assembly from the water main to the property line. The base charge also will include the cost to process meter readings and bill the customer. For a typical 5/8” residential water meter, the quarterly base charge will be $10.57. William J. McGlinn, the District’s General Manager and Chief Engineer indicated that the base charges and commodity charges are based on a cost of service analysis conducted by the District and its professional water rate consultant. Although the District is not regulated by the RI Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Mr. McGlinn noted that the cost of service analysis is consistent with the procedures used by the PUC to establish water rates for regulated utilities.
Although the average water rate increase is 29.8%, the actual increase that customers experience in their total annual water cost will range from 20% to 40% depending on their meter size and quarterly water consumption. Residential customers that use five thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 20% and a total annual cost of $157 compared to $131 last year. Residential customers that use ten thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 35% and a total annual cost of $326 compared to $242 last year. Residential customers that use fifteen thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 40% and a total annual cost of $496 compared to $354 last year. Residential customers that use twenty thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 37% and a total annual cost of $665 compared to $486 last year. Residential customers that use twenty-five thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 35% and a total annual cost of $834 compared to $619 last year. Residential customers that use fifty thousand gallons of water per quarter will experience an increase of approximately 24% and a total annual cost of $1,682 compared to $1,357 last year.
The last annual water bills have been mailed for two-thirds of the District’s customers, with the final bills scheduled to be mailed during the week of May 19th. Because of the change in billing practices, these annual bills do not include the historical minimum charge for twenty thousand gallons of water in advance. Since the customers paid for the first twenty thousand gallons for FY-14 in their FY-13 water bill, the FY-14 annual bill only includes an overage charge for water used over twenty thousand gallons.
Mr. McGlinn indicated that the treatment plant work is required to enable Newport Water, Portsmouth Water and the Navy to meet current and future federal Safe Drinking Water Act water quality standards. Since 2000, the three island water suppliers have seen numerous violations of the act’s Disinfectants/Disinfection By-products Rule, specifically for trihalomethanes, or TTHMs. The rules for the maximum level for TTHMs became more restrictive this year, making compliance by the island’s water suppliers very unlikely with the current state of the Newport treatment plants. TTHMs, which the EPA classifies as a potential carcinogen, are a by-product formed when chlorine used in water treatment reacts with organic matter in the raw and treated water. In addition, Mr. McGlinn noted that the new treatment processes at the plants will be better able to treat the water for seasonal taste and odor problems, which have been a source of complaints over the years.
In addition to the increased cost of water purchased from Newport, Mr. Driscoll said that the current and projected annual rate increases are necessary to help fund the District’s operating costs, technology improvements, capital improvements and debt service.
The Board approved an operating budget of $3,749,089, which results in an increase over last year’s operating budget of 13.47%. The Board approved a total budget of $4,063,224, which includes capital expenses, for an increase over last year’s total budget of 13.58%.
The District’s property tax revenue will remain unchanged, with the exception of the revenue from the addition of new properties to the tax roll. The District’s current tax rate of $0.18 per thousand dollars of assessed value will be adjusted up or down based on the final assessed values determined by the Town of Portsmouth following its current revaluation process. The current annual district property tax is $72.00 for a property assessed at a value of $400,000. Property tax revenue represents only 12.8% of the District’s total revenue. Mr. Driscoll indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board will continue to ensure that the cost it pays for wholesale water is fair and reasonable by working with Newport Water and intervening in water rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission, as necessary.
Date: October 21, 2013
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Philip T. Driscoll – 683-3081
William J. McGlinn – 683-2090
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual water district property tax bills on October 25, 2013.
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.18 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate is unchanged from last year.
Tax bills are due on December 1, 2013. Interest of 1% each month will be applied to the unpaid balance for any accounts not paid by the due date.
Any District property owner that has not received a water district tax bill by mid November should contact the District office at 683-2090.
DATE: May 8, 2013
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: Philip T. Driscoll, Administrative Board Chairman – 683-3081
William J. McGlinn, General Manager and Chief Engineer – 683-2090
Portsmouth
WATER RATE INCREASE TO HELP PAY FOR NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Portsmouth Water and Fire District customers can expect a jump in water rates this year and for the next two years. According to Administrative Board Chairman, Philip T. Driscoll, the Board voted to increase its water rates by 11.88% for fiscal year 2014, which began on May 1st. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the District water rates are projected to increase by an additional 11.88% in fiscal year 2015 and 9.33% in fiscal year 2016. These increases will help off-set significant wholesale water rate increases from the City of Newport, which are necessary to fund the $84 million replacement of the Lawton Valley Water Treatment Plant in Portsmouth and the upgrade of the Station One Water Treatment Plant in Newport. Construction of the plants began in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.
Mr. Driscoll indicated that the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission granted a water rate increase to Newport Water on May 1, 2013, which resulted in a 36.8% increase in the wholesale cost of water to the District. This increase included 17.7% for new debt service for the Newport treatment plants project and 19.1% to adjust the District’s wholesale rate based on a Commission approved cost of service study. In addition, a wholesale rate increase to the District of approximately 24% is expected to take effect on July 1, 2014 to fund additional debt service for the Newport treatment plants project. Mr. Driscoll noted that the Board voted to use $347,000 of cash reserves accrued from prior water sales to off-set the large increase in the wholesale cost of water in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
Mr. McGlinn, General Manger and Chief Engineer for the District indicated that the treatment plant work is required to enable Newport Water, Portsmouth Water and the Navy to meet current and future federal Safe Drinking Water Act water quality standards. Since 2000, the three island water suppliers have seen numerous violations of the act’s Disinfectants/Disinfection By-products Rule, specifically for trihalomethanes, or TTHMs. The rules for the maximum level for TTHMs will become more restrictive starting in 2013, making compliance by the island’s water suppliers very unlikely with the current state of the Newport treatment plants. TTHMs, which the EPA classifies as a potential carcinogen, are a by-product formed when chlorine used in water treatment reacts with organic matter in the raw and treated water. In addition, Mr. McGlinn noted that the new treatment processes at the plants will be better able to treat the water for seasonal taste and odor problems, which have been a source of complaints over the years.
In addition to the increased cost of water purchased from Newport, Mr. Driscoll said that the current and projected annual rate increases are necessary to help fund the District’s operating costs, capital improvements and debt service, including future debt service for a $1.2 million replacement of the District’s Union Street Pumping Station. Replacement of the forty-seven year-old pumping station is necessary to increase pumping capacity, improve energy efficiency and meet current codes.
A replacement meter reading system was installed by the District in fiscal year 2013, which will allow the District to read meters by radio and switch from annual to quarterly billing, as required by recent changes in state law. A replacement billing system will be purchased as part of the switch to quarterly billing in the fall of 2013. The new system will allow customers to view their water accounts and make payments on-line or by bank draft. Mr. Driscoll noted that quarterly water bills and the new billing system will help customers to better manage the increasing cost of water. The $1.3 million radio meter reading system and billing system were funded through a bond with the Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency. Mr. Driscoll indicated that because the project promotes water and energy efficiency, the loan was awarded with 100% principle forgiveness, meaning that the District does not have to pay back the loan.
The Board approved an operating budget of $3,303,914, which results in an increase over last year’s operating budget of 12.80%. The Board approved a total budget of $3,577,280, which includes capital expenses, for an increase over last year’s total budget of 9.79%.
The 2013 annual minimum charge, which includes 20,000 gallons of water, will increase from $111.60 to $131.20 for a residential customer with a 5/8” meter. The 2014 overage charges per thousand gallons of water will increase from $4.97 to $5.56 for usage between 21,000 and 60,000 gallons; from $5.93 to $6.63 for usage between 61,000 and 100,000 gallons; and from $6.60 to $7.38 for all usage over 100,000 gallons. The new rates are for water used from the spring of 2013 to the spring of 2014.
In addition to the increase in water rates, the District service charges, which are included in the minimum charge and are based on meter size and type, have been increased to reflect the higher cost of meters. The service charge for a typical residential customer will be $32.00, an increase of $9.00.
The annual cost of water for an average residential customer that uses 60,000 gallons will be $353.60, an increase of $43.20. The annual cost for a customer that uses 100,000 gallons will be $618.80, an increase of $71.20.
The District’s property tax rate will remain unchanged at $0.18 per thousand dollars of assessed value. The annual district property tax is $72.00 for a property assessed at a value of $400,000. Property tax revenue represents only 15% of the District’s total revenue.
Mr. Driscoll indicated that the Board is working hard to properly maintain and improve the water system, while providing fair and reasonable rates for customers and taxpayers. He noted that there were no rate increases for fiscal year 2013. Mr. Driscoll also indicated that the Board will continue to ensure that the cost it pays for wholesale water is fair and reasonable by working with Newport Water and intervening in water rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission, as necessary.
The 2013 annual water bills, which cover water usage from the spring of 2012 to the spring of 2013, will be mailed to customers in mid-May, with payments due by July 1.
DATE: July 22, 2011
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: William J. McGlinn, General Manager 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman 683-3081
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the District’s Administrative Board, said that customers that did not receive a call are likely not in the District CodeRED data base. Mr. Driscoll also noted that the District has over 6,400 water customers and cautioned that the system is only as good as the telephone number database supporting it. Mr. Driscoll said, “If your phone number is not in the database, you will not be called. One of the reasons the CodeRED system was selected is it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into the system’s database, which is an extremely important feature.”
Mr. Driscoll urged all individuals and businesses to log onto the Portsmouth Water and Fire District web site at http://www.portsmouthwater.org and click on the “CodeRED” logo in the upper right corner of the home page to register phone numbers and email addresses. Those without Internet access may call the Portsmouth Water and Fire District’s main office at (401) 683-2090, Monday through Friday, (9AM-4PM) to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well.
Any customer that did not receive the test call should register. All businesses should register as they are not included in the original data base. Also, all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number should also register.
The CodeRED system will be used by the Water District for emergency notification purposes to inform customers of boil water orders, water use restrictions, disruption of service and other emergencies. In addition, the system will be used to notify customers of scheduled work that may impact them such as water system flushing, scheduled disruption of water service and the like.
Any questions about the CodeRED should be directed to the Portsmouth Water and Fire District main office at 401-683-2090.
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District tested its CodeRED Emergency Communications System on July 15th and 16th. The system made 3,712 calls to presumed District residential customer phone numbers, which were combed from public databases. The system connected with over 92% of those phone numbers by reaching either a person or answering machine.
DATE: July 22, 2011
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT: William J. McGlinn, General Manager 683-2090
Philip T. Driscoll, Chairman 683-3081
The Emergency Communications Network has combed public databases for the land-line phone numbers associated with District service addresses. Water District customers can provide their additional contact information such as additional phone numbers, cell numbers, email addresses and text addresses through the District’s web site.
Mr. Driscoll stated, “CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for inputting information. No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included,” urging all individuals and businesses to log onto the Portsmouth Water and Fire District web site at http://www.portsmouthwater.org and click on the “CodeRED” logo to register phone numbers and email addresses. Those without Internet access may call the Portsmouth Water and Fire District’s main office at (401) 683-2090, Monday through Friday, (9AM-4PM) to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well.
All businesses should register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.
Mr. Driscoll explained, “CodeRED allows geographically based delivery, which means street addresses are required to ensure emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones too, but we need to have an associated street address to provide relevant messages.”
The CodeRED system will be used by the Water District for emergency notification purposes to inform customers of boil water orders, water use restrictions, disruption of service and other emergencies. In addition, the system will be used to notify customers of scheduled work that may impact them such as water system flushing, scheduled disruption of water service and the like.
The District will be testing the CodeRED Emergency Notification System on Friday, July 15th when all known phone numbers associated with District addresses will be called with a test message.
Any questions about the CodeRED should be directed to the Portsmouth Water and Fire District main office at 401-683-2090.
About Emergency Communications Network
Emergency Communications Network Inc. (ECN) provides affordable high-speed notification solutions capable of reaching millions of citizens in minutes. ECN’s sophisticated network supports a web-based product suite featuring CodeRED® which enables local government officials to communicate time-sensitive, personalized messages via voice, email and text.
The Portsmouth Water and Fire District has contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification solution. The CodeRED system provides Water District officials with the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire water system customer base.
Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the District’s Administrative Board, cautioned that such systems are only as good as the telephone number database supporting them. “If your phone number is not in the database, you will not be called.” One of the reasons the CodeRED system was selected is it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into the system’s database, which is an extremely important feature.
The Portsmouth Water & Fire District continually asks local consumers to keep an eye out for any fire hydrants that may become buried as a result of a snow storm. At times, the snow may blanket many of the District’s 582 plus fire hydrants, making it nearly impossible to locate them quickly in emergency situations.…
OPEN POSTThe Portsmouth Water and Fire District will be mailing the annual Water and Fire District property tax bills the week of October 24, 2022. Philip Driscoll, Chairman of the Administrative Board, indicated that the District’s tax rate is $0.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Mr. Driscoll noted that the tax rate increased $0.01 over the 2021…
OPEN POST
