由于基础设施老化和污染,农村缅因州水率高出75%。 Rural Maine water rates up to 75% higher due to aging infrastructure and contamination.

缅因州农村的水费正在上涨,由于基础设施老化和多年的推迟维修,一些小县的供水费上升至75%。 Water bills are surging in rural Maine, with some small districts raising rates up to 75% due to aging infrastructure and years of deferred maintenance. 西巴黎水区为大约220名客户提供服务,储油层漏水和水泵故障导致污染和煮水订单后,费率上升。 The West Paris Water District, serving about 220 customers, increased rates after a reservoir leak and pump failure led to contamination and boil-water orders. 至少有6个其他城镇正在实施或提议进行20%或以上的类似升幅。 Similar hikes of 20% or more are being implemented or proposed in at least six other towns. 这些增加数是在数十年低费率使系统资金不足,造成必要修理工作积压之后增加的。 These increases follow decades of low rates that left systems underfunded, creating a backlog of necessary repairs. 今年缅因州152个受监管的供水公用设施中约有40个因气候相关风险和现代化需要而提出提高费率的要求。 About 40 of Maine’s 152 regulated water utilities have filed rate increase requests this year, driven by climate-related risks and the need for modernization. 虽然有些居民可以管理费用,但其他居民,特别是老年人,则担心费用是否可负担。 While some residents can manage the costs, others, especially seniors, are concerned about affordability. 专家们警告说,投资不足威胁到公共健康和系统可靠性。 Experts warn that underinvestment threatens public health and system reliability.