The city of Bellevue, Nebraska, will increase sewer rates in 2017 and 2018 in order to address an issue of the utmost importance: maintaining sewer infrastructure. The Omaha World-Herald has the scoop.
Obviously, nobody is ever thrilled to see their bills goes up each month. But it’s impossible to overstate the severity of America’s infrastructure problem and the costs it will take to do something about it.
Even though they benefit citizens daily, sewers are largely taken for granted by the public at large. Wastewater infrastructure isn’t exactly a popular topic, which is why when you hear about it, it’s typically after something has gone very, very wrong. We’re glad to see a community dedicate itself to sewer maintenance despite the cost. We just wish more local governments would follow suit.
This is an issue affecting areas across the Midwest and the entire country, from the smallest towns to the largest cities. Bellevue is not the only city that will need to make a significant investment in maintaining wastewater infrastructure. As our nation’s sewer systems age, municipalities that fail to invest appropriately will contend with broken pipes, flooded streets, and far more serious dangers.
Wastewater systems need to be held to the highest standards. This is something that we’re passionate about at PeopleService, and we will continue to do our part to ensure that residents are safe and the systems they depend on function to perfection.