Application & Hookup Fees Increases
April 01, 2026
Effective April 1, 2026
TM Rural Water District Announces Updated Fee Structure for New Service Connections
The TM Rural Water District Board of Directors has officially approved an update to the District’s fee structure and connection requirements. These changes, which impact application and hookup fees, ensure that the costs of expanding and maintaining the system are shared fairly by those joining the District.
The TM Board of Directors determined that these updates are necessary to address the rising costs of professional engineering reviews and the increased expense of securing and treating water for a growing population.
Understanding the Total Cost of New Service
To provide full transparency to potential customers, TM Rural Water District outlines the three primary components required to establish a new water service:
|
Component |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
1. Application Fee |
$250 |
Covers the cost of an individual engineering hydraulic review to ensure the system can support the new connection. |
|
2. Hookup Fee |
$1,250 |
Offsets the cost of source water and treatment infrastructure for a standard residential connection (20,000 gal/month). |
|
3. Construction Cost |
Variable |
Covers the actual labor and materials (pipe, meter pit, etc.) required to bring the water line to your property. |
Why Costs Are Changing
- Engineering Integrity: Before a new connection is approved, a hydraulic review must be performed. This ensures that adding a new user will not negatively impact the water pressure or service quality of existing neighbors. The updated application fee directly offsets these professional engineering expenses.
- Sustainable Growth: As the District expands, the cost of acquiring raw water and the chemicals/infrastructure needed to treat it continues to rise. The updated hookup fee ensures that new connections contribute their share toward the long-term sustainability of the District’s water supply.
- Construction & Installation: It is important for potential customers to note that the Application and Hookup fees do not include the cost of construction. Because the distance from our main lines to a specific property varies, construction costs are calculated individually based on the labor and materials required for that specific installation.
A Message from the Board
"Our priority is to maintain a high-quality, reliable water system for every member of the TM Rural Water District," stated the Board of Directors. "By updating these fees, we are protecting our current infrastructure and ensuring that our District grows in a way that is financially responsible and sustainable for years to come."
About TM Rural Water District
TM Rural Water District provides essential water services across Turner and McCook Counties in South Dakota. Managed by a dedicated Board of Directors and professional staff, the District is committed to delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to our rural community.
