Pulaski Proposes 132 Percent Water Rate Hike for Pipeline

Residents of Pulaski, Wisconsin, face a proposed water rate increase of approximately 132 percent to fund a new pipeline connecting the village to Lake Michigan. Keith Chambers, the village president, stated that residents using 10,000 gallons of water could see their annual bills increase by $800 to $900, with quarterly payments rising from $151 to roughly $351.

The cost is expected to remain on resident bills for about 20 years. The village transitioned from local wells to the pipeline in late August after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources determined five years ago that existing wells were insufficient for emergency needs, including firefighting. Pulaski officials chose the $16 million pipeline over a $20 million new well project.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will hold a public hearing on September 28 at the Pulaski Municipal Building to consider the proposed rate hike.