CMS Bracing For Higher Water Rates

A proposed hike in water rates could cost Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Officials with the school system are hoping their own conservation of water could help counter the potential rate increase.

Typically CMS will spend well over $2 million each year on water and sewer bills. It’s already started conserving by irrigating football fields just once a week during the season and not at all once the season ends.

"For the year, we've probably reduced our water consumption by about 20 percent," said Guy Chamberlain, the associate superintendent of auxiliary services.

CMS also works closely with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department to discuss ways to reduce usage and, in turn, cost. For example, instead of washing plastic trays, schools use disposable lunch trays.

The district is also looking ahead to the future by building new schools that are more energy and water efficient.

Chamberlain said all elementary schools being built have waterless urinals because much of their water use in schools comes from the use of bathrooms.

Superintendent Peter Gorman said the district plans on keeping their own restrictions in place even if the utilities department eases restrictions county-wide.

The Charlotte City Council will meet next Monday to decide whether to increase water and sewer rates.