Bedford residents face water rate increase

BEDFORD – Bedford residents are facing a water rate increase according to Utilities Director Misty Adams the last increase was back in 2012. In addition, a sewer tap and septic hauling fee increases are also proposed.

Adams could not remember off hand when the sewer tap fees have been raised.

Users of the waterworks of the City of Bedford, the owners of property served or to be served by the waterworks of the City of Bedford, and other interested persons that on July 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the City Concourse, 1402 H Street Bedford, IN 47421, the Bedford City Council will hold a public hearing concerning the proposed rates and charges.

Here is a list at the proposed rates:


Metered Rates (Rate Per 1,000 Gallons)


For the first 2,000 gallons per month $ 6.70
For the next 3,000 gallons per month 5.97
For the next 5,000 gallons per month 5.02
For the next 10,000 gallons per month 4.27
For the next 30,000 gallons per month 3.28
For the next 50,000 gallons per month 2.98
For all-over 100,000 gallons per month 2.47

Minimum Charge


Each user shall pay a minimum charge in accordance with the size of the meter installed, for which the user will be entitled to the quantity of water set in the metered schedule of rates.

Gallons Charge Allowed Per Month


5/8 or 3/4 inch meter 2,000 $ 13.40
1 inch meter 3,950 25.05
1 ½ inch meter 6,210 37.39
2 inch meter 14,360 75.05
3 inch meter 17,240 87.36
4 inch meter 31,580 137.09
6 inch meter 67,450 249.47


Irrigation Sprinklers


Irrigation Sprinklers with separate meters can be combined usage in our software billing system to one account to include the minimum charge and gallons allowed above.


Fire Protection Sprinklers


Service under this rate shall consist of standby service for fire emergencies and all water taken through such connections shall be restricted to fire emergencies only. The Utility reserves the right to
install flow detectors from time to time to see that the service is restricted to fire fighting purposes.

Size of Monthly Rate Connection Per Connection


2 inch $ 23.02
3 inch 45.21
4 inch 68.23
6 inch 115.10
1/5 of 6 inch 23.02
1/3 of 6 inch 38.37
8 inch 226.00
10 inch 435.60
12 inch 698.59

Hydrant Rental
Public Hydrant – per hydrant – per annum $ 726.48
Private Hydrant – per hydrant – per annum 726.48

Service Fee
After any water service is discontinued to any property served by the water utility at the request of the customer, there shall be imposed a fee of $20 for turning on the water service. When water service is to be discontinued to any property served by the water utility because of failure to pay sewer or water bills, there shall be imposed a fee of $40
once the service representative leaves the utility office with the certified shut-off list to continue service.


Fire Hydrant Metering Fees


A deposit of $350.00 will be required to be held by Bedford City Utilities until such time as the meter is returned in proper condition and the bill is paid in full. The deposit will be returned to the company.


Water used will be billed on a monthly basis. Meter will be read every 30 days by Bedford City Utilities. Customer agrees to upon receiving the meter for the sole purpose of metering water from a fire hydrant for construction purposes only and agrees to pay $1,300.00 in the event of damage or loss of said meter.


Meter Tampering:


Initial tampering by turning on water at meter that has been shut-off for non-payment will result in a fee of $75.00. A second offense will result in a $100.00 fee and a third offense will result in $125.00.


Tapping Fees


   Each user, at the time he or she is connected with the waterworks system, shall pay a charge to cover the cost of tapping the main, furnishing and laying service pipe, corporation and stop cocks, service and meter box, and installing the meter. The charge for 5/8- or 3/4-inch meter tap shall be $1,200. The charge for a tap larger than the 5/8-inch
or 3/4-inch meter tap will be the cost of labor and materials, but not less than the charge for a 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch meter tap.

In addition to the water rate increases, a sewer tap and septic hauling fee increase is also proposed.

The sewer tap fee will increase from $800 to $1200.

The septic hauling fees include domestic origin septic waste generated in Lawrence County at the rate of $25.00/1,000 gallons based upon full capacity rating of tank and $50.00/1,000 gallons generated in surrounding counties of Lawrence County. Partial billing will not be permitted.

Any questions regarding the changes can be anwsered by calling the Bedford Utilities Department at 812-275-1626.