Sewage rates on the rise in Kingston Springs, Pegram
Residents in Kingston Springs and Pegram will see higher sewage bills this summer as both towns adjust their rates in response to their failing sewer systems.
Residents in Kingston Springs and Pegram will see higher sewage bills this summer as both towns adjust their rates in response to their failing sewer systems.
Kingston Springs held the first reading of its proposed sewage rate increase during a specially called Board of Commissioners meeting on July 8. If approved, the new rates will go into effect on Aug. 1.
The proposed changes include a $3.30 increase to the base fee, now totaling $47.30.
Usage rates will also rise: customers using between 1,001 and 12,000 gallons will see a $0.83 increase – with a total cost of $11.83 per 1,000 gallons. Those who exceed more than 12,001 gallons will experience a $1.16 increase – with a total cost of $16.56 per 1,000 gallons.
Meanwhile, Pegram has already implemented its updated sewage rates, which went into effect July 1. The town adjusts its rates annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, increased by 4.8% this year. Pegram’s new rates reflect that percentage. Customers using 0–2,000 gallons saw a $0.47 increase to total $10.27 per 1,000 gallons; those using 2,001–4,000 gallons saw a $0.48 increase to total $10.57 per 1,000 gallons; and usage beyond 4,001 gallons rose by $0.50 to total $10.89 per 1,000 gallons.
Both towns – which have historically struggled to maintain their aging sewage treatment plants – say the increases are necessary to keep up with operating costs and ensure the sustainability of their sewer systems.
During its June 30 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, the Town of Pegram passed its budget for 2026, allocating $650,000 for a “sewer plant upgrade.”
Kingston Springs is expected to hold a second reading and vote on the proposed rate change during its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting on July 17. A preservation group is currently suing the Town of Kingston Springs for its failing sewer system, which the group claims is discharging high levels of pollutants into the Harpeth River.
