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The Manchester Water and Sewer Commission recently voted unanimously to recommend rate increases to the Board of Mayor and Alderman.  These rates will still be lower than Tullahoma, Murfreesboro, and West Warren.

These rate increases are needed to repair our waste water treatment plant, our waste collection system, our aging water mains, and the equipment to effect these repairs.

It seems we have at least one or two water main breaks per month, and during significant rains, several manhole overflows.  The men and women of the department are working hard to maintain and improve our systems.  Management is working to secure grants and issue contracts to make improvements.  Some of the equipment is past its life span and needs to be replaced.  All of this involves increased costs.

Your Commission is made up of citizens willing to serve, without pay.  We are not “fat cats,” but a couple of us are weight challenged.

As for water quality, there is no difference between Tullahoma and Manchester.  Duck River Utility Commission treats and supplies water to both.  DRUC won the People’s Choice Award and Best of the Best Award for best tasting water in 2023 at the KY/TN Water Professional Conference in Memphis.  If your water is bad, you should collect a sample and have it checked.  Call DRUC for help.

I hope you will support these badly needed increases.  The alternative is water supply disruptions and more sewer overflows.