Politics & Government

The High Cost of a Flush, Ross Sewer Fee Predicted to Rise

Ross Township Commissioners will consider a plan to spend $16-$20 million dollars for sewer improvements over the next 13 years.

If you think your electric, natural gas, or water bill is high, Ross Township Manager Douglas Sample says in the coming years, all will be topped by your sewer bill.

“Overall, your sewer rates are going to be the highest utility your going to pay over the next ten years," said Sample. "And it's not just ours, but the Alcosan increases as well.”

Sample made the prediction during a presentation to Ross Commissioners Monday night about the township's sewer feasibility study.

A consent decree requires the township to commit to roughly a half-dozen capital improvements to reduce sewer overflows, particularly during heavy rains.

The work, estimated at $16-$20-million dollars, must be completed by 2026. Sample said it was too early to predict how high the township's sewer fee will have to go to pay for those projects.

The biggest project is along Pine Creek, where residents of Amity Road have been complaining about sewer overflows for years. The proposal includes installing larger sewer lines, and a retention tank.

Also included are improvements for Lowries Run, Spruce Run, Jacks Run, and Girtys Run.

"Like it or not, your sewer bill is going to go up," said Sample. "Not just for us in Ross, but for everyone in Allegheny County."

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