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Fort Madison Water Rates May Increase

Fort Madison, IA – Fort Madison residents may soon pay more for city water. The city council has approved the first reading of a measure that would substantially increase the city's water rates. City Manager Bill Kelly says residential and commercial customers would see a monthly increase of about 24%, if approved. Industrial and wholesale water rates would also increase. Kelly says the city will have to replace the current water plant, in the near future, to keep up with the demand for service. He says the money generated by the rate hike would be set aside until the future of the city's water system is decided. Kelly says it would cost about $13,000,000 to either build a new water plant or connect a water line between the city and Keokuk. If the council approves this rate increase two more times, Kelly says it would take effect in April. The Fort Madison City Council increased the water rate by about 20 just one year ago.