(February 19, 2009) Memphians pay the lowest combined water and wastewater rates of nearly 30 U.S. cities, according to the newly-released 2009 report of water and wastewater bill comparisons compiled by Austin Water Utility in Austin, Texas.

The survey compared water and wastewater costs for residential customers. The survey showed that MLGW residential water customers pay, on average, $22.67 per month for water and wastewater service. Salt Lake City residents have the second lowest average bill at $27.40. Seattle residents have the highest combined average bill at $99.00 per month, according to the survey.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of this report," said Jerry Collins, President and CEO. "The fact that our rates were found to be lower than those of such cities as Louisville, Charlotte, Dallas, Atlanta and Seattle among many others, is very commendable and shows that the utility’s efforts to contain costs is paying off."

With ever-increasing wholesale utility costs, MLGW has worked diligently for its customers to keep rates as low as possible. Collins says, "The increasing cost of goods and services coupled with the country's current economic climate has put a financial strain on many of our customers. This report is good news and shows we have worked hard to contain customers’ utility costs."

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.