East Deer residents and businesses will pay 35% more for water next year because Tarentum increased what it charges the township for bulk water.

The new rates, approved by township commissioners, will take effect Jan. 1.

The average East Deer homeowner will pay $13.50 for the first 1,500 gallons, an increase of $3.50 from the previous $10 rate.

They will pay $8.84 for each additional 1,000 gallons. For example, if a homeowner uses 2,500 gallons, they would pay $22.34.

“It is a very substantial increase,” Commissioners Chairman Tony Taliani said.

Taliani said there hasn’t been a water rate increase in East Deer since Jan. 1, 2013. He said this increase was unavoidable.

“We own our own water distribution system, but we purchase our water in bulk,” Taliani said. “Our supplier, Tarentum borough, who we’re under contract with until 2032, has increased East Deer township’s rate by 31.5%.

“Above what they raised us, we’ve essentially raised it 3.5%.”

Tarentum has been selling water to East Deer under a contract that dates to 1972 and has been renewed every 15 years, most recently in 2017. It prevents Tarentum from increasing the rate it charges East Deer by more than 3 cents per 1,000 gallons without increasing rates on its own residents.

The borough approved changes to its water rates in September.

“I’m not happy with a raise of that size, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Taliani said. “They are our supplier, and that’s what they’re charging. And it complies with the contract that we have.”

Also this year, Tarentum Council voted to notify East Deer it will opt out of the agreement when it expires in 2032 because it is no longer in the borough’s interests.

Taliani said the township will look into other options for buying water.

“We will always look for the best deal for our municipality and our taxpayers and our township,” Taliani said. “If we can find a better deal, we’re going to look to make it happen.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)