Greensboro water customers could see rate increases as city works to remove 'forever chemicals'

Greensboro's water customers could see their rates rise again in the next fiscal year.

According to a budget presentation at a Greensboro City Council work session Thursday, water and sewer rates could increase an average of 8.5% if a new proposal is approved. 

Water Resources Director Mike Borchers said at the meeting the increase is driven in part by capital improvement projects. This includes a $177 million effort by the city to remove what are called "forever chemicals" from its drinking water.

"We have detected those and they're above the maximum contaminant level that has been set by the rule, and all the more reason why of course we've got to implement improvements at the plant to be able to remove them," Borchers said.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these are widely used, long-lasting chemicals found in a variety of places including food and household products. The agency announced regulations in April on the acceptable amount that can be found in drinking water.

According to a news release, the City Council is expected to approve a contract in September to design and install a system at Mitchell Water Treatment Plant to help reduce the contaminants.