Northshore Utility District (NUD) is committed to providing reliable water and sewer services now and for decades to come. However, a recent analysis revealed that NUD’s current rates do not fully cover the actual cost of providing services. 

Wholesale water supply and sewage treatment costs account for 74% of our annual budget. Outside of these costs, numerous other factors are considered when evaluating revenue needs to provide safe and reliable services. These include analyzing costs related to personnel, security, technology, fuel, power, communications, construction, insurance, and local municipal fees. If rates do not cover these costs, the District is at risk of operating at a deficit and/ or failing to provide reliable services. 

At its April 21, 2025 meeting, the NUD Board of Commissioners took several actions to better align rates with the cost of delivering services such as: 

• Discontinuing the 5% early pay discount to offset higher rate increases 
• Minimizing increases to water rates by 4.5% and only increasing sewer rates by 5.8% (a pass-through increase from King County) to achieve full cost recovery and maintain a capital reserve 
• Revising the current Low-Income Discount Program and expanding access to customers 

This decision was reached after conducting open public hearings on April 7 and April 21, 2025. The 2025 Rate Resolution was adopted and will be applied to all utility bills sent after April 21, 2025, regardless of when service is rendered. NUD strives to keep rates as low as possible. However, these adjustments to the rate structure are necessary to ensure continued service reliability. 

Letters have been sent to NUD customers. Click here to download a copy of the letter..

Rate payers are the owners of this utility, and as your elected Board of Commissioners, we take great pride in representing you. We are focused on being an effective governing body that establishes policies to ensure high quality drinking water and sewer services are provided in an affordable, sustainable manner. 

We welcome the opportunity to discuss District policies or the future direction of the District with you. Find contact information for the Board of Commissioners here.