Gem State Water Customers to See New Rates in October Bills

/ News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 29, 2025
Gem State Water customers to see new rates in October bills
Change in rates reflects system investments, operational costs
Coeur d’Alene, ID – Gem State Water has received final approval on adjusted rates and tariffs for our water
customers from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), following completion of a general rate case. New rates
will appear on customers’ October bills.
Approval of the rate case (https://puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7471), first filed in December 2024, authorized
combined tariffs for multiple water systems, as well as recovery for critical investments made for operations,
maintenance and improvements to our system infrastructure.
Gem State currently serves about 3,750 people across 1,500 connections and seven water systems in northern
Idaho.
The new rates were finalized in late September by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, following extensive
engagement and review by the commission staff, customers, stakeholders and the utility. These new rates went into
effect on August 1, 2025, with final approval on September 24, 2025.
In accordance with IPUC rules, customers will be charged at new rates beginning in the October billing period, with
additional charges for underbilled volume in the months of August and September back to the effective date of August
1, 2025. A prorated charge for underbilling will result in an average charge of $44.44 per month for residential
customers. This amount will appear as a separate line item on October, November and December statements.
Customers needing payment assistance may request an extension.
“We recognize the impact these changes may have on our customers and remain committed to supporting them. At
the same time, we’re obligated to meet state standards for billing accuracy and water quality,” said Marshall
Thompson, Interim General Manager, Gem State Water.
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Gem State Water rates
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Since being acquired by NW Natural Water, Gem State Water has made significant investments to modernize and
upgrade water delivery systems in recent years, including:

  • $4 million for new meters and meter-reading technology
  • $1.8 million for backup generators and new pumps.
  • $1.2 million for water mains
  • $650,000 for well improvements
    The new rates will also help consolidate billing and accounting, while reducing the number of separate rate schedules
    from seven to two.
    Gem State will continue to make investments to ensure safe and reliable delivery of water for its customers. Projects
    ahead include long-term system facility planning and an initiative to identify and reduce water loss on each system.
    For information on billing or other issues, visit gemstate-water.com, contact our customer service line, 877-755-9287,
    or email info@gemstate-water.com.Please note that the Gem State Water offices are not open to the public.
    Media inquiries may be directed to media@nwnatural.com.
    About Gem State Water
    Gem State Water operates water and wastewater utility services in the growing Coeur d’Alene, ID, metropolitan area
    and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NW Natural Water. Gem State Water serves about 3,750 people through 1,500
    connections. Its seven water systems include Bar Circle ‘S’ Water, Bitterroot Water, Diamond Bar Water, Happy
    Valley Water customers of Lynnwood Water, Spirit Lake East Water and Troy Hoffman.

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