Water and sewer utility rates to increase August 1

Please be aware that water and sewer utility rates will increase by 5 percent, effective August 1, 2025.  The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Assembly approved increases to both water and sewer utility rates in June 2025 following a comprehensive utility rate study and a series of public meetings and community presentations. A detailed table showing the finalized rates is available at bit.ly/CBJUtilityRates.

As a low-density community with a long and narrow footprint, Juneau is a unique place with unique needs. The cost to operate and maintain utility infrastructure is higher than in a dense and compact urban environment, and deferring maintenance and replacement only leads to even higher costs in the future. Significant inflationary cost increases in utility operations and aging infrastructure needs mean that rate increases are now necessary to keep serving our community’s water and sewer needs.

Beginning August 1, residents can expect changes to their billing statements. Bill-pay customers should update their accounts to reflect the new rates to stay current.

Subsequent 5 percent increases will take effect in July 2026, July 2027, July 2028, and July 2029, as approved in Ordinance 2025-27. Revenue generated from utility rates is allocated toward operating and maintaining major water and wastewater infrastructure systems, capital projects focused on addressing failing infrastructure or ensuring regulatory compliance, and debt financing from Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) loans.

June 18th, 2025|

Gasoline fuel identified in Mendenhall sewer system – community assistance requested

At 6:15 a.m. on May 17, 2025, operators at the CBJ Mendenhall Treatment Plant responded to a sudden gasoline spill that entered the plant and immediately disrupted wastewater treatment operations.  The severity of the spill prompted temporary evacuation of a portion of the treatment facility. Utility treatment operators worked quickly to isolate and contain the damage caused by this spill while other staff initiated an investigation into its origins in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), Spill Prevention and Response.

Gasoline in the CBJ sewer system poses significant risks to human health and infrastructure, interferes with the waste treatment process and jeopardizes our fisheries and environment.

While the CBJ Utility and ADEC investigates this issue, we would like to ask the Community’s assistance with any information relating to gasoline spills or discharges in the Mendenhall Valley, Lemon Creek and Salmon Creek areas.  If you witnessed or are aware of any fuel spills, leaking fuel tanks or pipes, or know of any other possible sources of fuels that may be discharging to our drainage and sewer systems, we ask that you please contact our joint investigation team immediately.

ADEC’s office of Spill Prevention and Recovery (SPAR) is coordinating our response and would like to receive your reports through their hazardous substance hotline:

  • Call the DEC response team office toll-free at 1-800-478-9300
  • Call international at 1-907-269-0667
  • Report online at reportspills.alaska.gov

The CBJ Utility and the State of Alaska DEC thank you for your assistance with this matter.

May 19th, 2025|

Cold weather is on the way — take these steps to keep pipes from freezing

With freezing temperatures forecast in the coming days, now is a critical time to take important preventive steps to keep your water pipes from freezing. Water pipes that are not properly insulated or maintained are at risk of freezing and/or bursting—an event that could leave you without running water as well as cause flooding and damage to your home or business.

To prevent frozen water pipes, the City and Borough of Juneau recommends the following preventive measures:

  • Leave a pencil-thin trickle of water running in the sink to keep water circulating
  • Ensure crawl space vents are closed
  • Ensure pipes are properly insulated
  • Ensure heat tapes are plugged in and functioning
  • Turn off hose bibs, disconnect any hoses, and ensure they are properly insulated

In the event that you do experience frozen pipes, contact a plumber or contractor. CBJ does not have the ability to thaw frozen water pipes.

The Emergency Water Turn-Off contact is (907) 586-0393 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or (907) 586-2165 after hours.

January 27th, 2025|

Recycling Center Early Closure – Saturday, 12/28 @ 1pm

Recycleworks Web Logo (Small Version)

Recycling Center Early Closure – Saturday, 12/28 @ 1pm

The CBJ Recycling Center located at 5600 Tonsgard Court will be closing at 1pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024 for equipment repairs.  For further information about CBJ’s recycling and other waste programs, visit www.juneaurecycling.com.

December 27th, 2024|

Join CBJ for utility rates open house on December 19

The CBJ Utilities Division, collaborating with consultants from FCS, invite all in the community to learn more about proposed utilities rate increases at an Open House on Thursday, December 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Thunder Mountain Middle School Library (3101 Dimond Park Loop).

The Open House will feature a presentation by FCS, who recently completed a rate study on behalf of CBJ, as well as CBJ Engineering and Public Works staff on hand to answer your questions.

To learn more about the proposed rate increases, visit bit.ly/Proposed-Rates.

For questions about the event, contact CBJ Utilities at (907) 586-0393, option 0.

December 17th, 2024|
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