For the second consecutive year, Northshore Utility District (NUD) customers will face no rate increase for their water and sewer services, according to a press release sent March 22.

NUD provides water and sewer service for Kenmore, North Kirkland and parts of Bothell, Woodinville and Lake Forest Park. The district encompasses more than 11,000 acres and serves more than 70,000 people.

“It’s unusual in this area for public service agencies to elect to absorb costs instead of passing on to customers; our board has elected to do this two years in a row,” NUD communications support specialist Jessica Guthrie wrote in an email to the Reporter.

The NUD board of commissioners voted unanimously to keep customer rates constant, despite rising business costs. This year, Seattle Public Utilities has increased the district’s water rates by 0.7 percent (or $45,000) and King County increased rates for sewer treatment by 2.5 percent (about $483,000).

“We understand the financial difficulties everyone faces, particularly with the rising cost of basic human services,” NUD board president Don Ellis stated in the release. “We are proud that the district has maintained a strong focus on sound fiscal policies, operating efficiently, and capital infrastructure investments that has allowed us to continue improving service without having to raise rates this year.”

More NUD financial and rate information can be found at www.nud.net/rates.