Huntsville Utility Board, Ala.'s rating reflects the system's low rates, efficient operations, ample treatment capacity, and strong financial performance. Also reflected is a diversifying economic base that has space and defense-related employment concentration. Huntsville's water utility serves the city of Huntsville and portions of surrounding Madison County. The system offers low rates at $13.42/1,500 cubic feet (cf). Combined with city of Huntsville sewer rates, combined rates are low at $24.42, and are low compared to cities regionally and nationally. Huntsville utilities plans to raise residential rates 6.8% to $11.15 in 1996 and with two 20% sewer rate increases, combined rates will still be affordable at about $29/1,500 cf. The system has 72mgd of treated capacity from wells and the Tennessee
