20250325Comments_3.pdf

The following comments were submitted via PUCWeb:
Name:William Webberding
Submission Time: Mar 25 2025 10:34AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:[phone]
Address: 18438 N Ramsey Rd
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Name of Utility Company:Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Subject: Request for Review of Proposed Rate Increase
To Whom It May Concern,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed increase in
water usage rates that would affect our household.
As a family of two,we maintain a conservative water usage pattern:we each take three showers per week,do
four loads of laundry weekly,and operate our dishwasher only twice a week.This is done during the off-
season when we are not watering our lawn. Currently,we are permitted 7,500 gallons per month before
incurring an overage fee,yet we have been informed that we are nearing this limit.
The proposal suggests a reduction in our allowable usage by 500 gallons,which corresponds to a 79%
increase in our rates. I respectfully request that you reconsider this proposed increase,as it poses significant
financial challenges for us. Both my partner and I are retired and live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to
accommodate such a substantial hike in our water rates.
I believe many other residents may share similar concerns regarding this increase,and I urge you to consider
the impact on our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
William Webberding
208-661-6928
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Name:Susan Webberding
Submission Time: Mar 25 2025 10:38AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone:[phone]
Address: 18438 N Ramsey Rd
Rathdrum, ID 83858

Name of Utility Company:Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Subject: Request for Review of Proposed Rate Increase
To Whom It May Concern,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed increase in
water usage rates that would affect our household.
As a family of two,we maintain a conservative water usage pattern:we each take three showers per week,do
four loads of laundry weekly,and operate our dishwasher only twice a week.This is done during the off-
season when we are not watering our lawn. Currently,we are permitted 7,500 gallons per month before
incurring an overage fee,yet we have been informed that we are nearing this limit.
The proposal suggests a reduction in our allowable usage by 500 gallons,which corresponds to a 79%
increase in our rates. I respectfully request that you reconsider this proposed increase,as it poses significant
financial challenges for us. Both my husband and I are retired and live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to
accommodate such a substantial hike in our water rates.
I believe many other residents may share similar concerns regarding this increase,and I urge you to consider
the impact on our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Webberding
208-661-6928
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name:Ted Gehrig
Submission Time: Mar 25 2025 12:01 PM
Email:ted.gehrig2Ccbgmail.com
Telephone:[phone]
Address: 16676 W Coeur d'Alene Dr
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company:Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01

Comment: "Since we bought our property in 2009,Gem State Water has taken over the water service for our
area. Less than two years ago,they increased water costs 37%for the minimum usage amount. Now they
are requesting another 79%increase and reducing the number of gallons in the minimum. We are two retired
people who very rarely use over the minimum, and have seen our rates already double in the 15 yrs we have
been here. I understand costs increase, but my income does not increase 79%every two years. I can
understand a modest 3-5% per year, but not the increases that we have had or are proposed. If they want to
increase rates for those using excessive amounts,that is different, but for a retired couple who always use the
minimum to have the rate keep rising makes it really hard to budget.
If necessary, I can provide testimony, but the information is public and clear. I'm trying to have those using
excessive water pay the brunt of the increase instead of the retired couples in our community living on a fixed
budget. By that, I mean don't increase the base cost more than 4-5%annually; if more income is required,
have those using much over the minimum pay the costs