Act 605 of 2021 tasked retail water providers with additional responsibilites in managing and operating their water systems.  These responsibilities include preparation of a rate study every five years or before any major development project.  Rates determined from the study are required to be implemented within one year of the completion of the study, or two years if the recommended rates increase the provider's rates by fifty percent or more.  Failure to complete a rate study or implement the required rate increases will result in a determination that the water provider is in fiscal distress.  Rate studies must be filed with the Arkansas Legislative Audit and the Arkansas Department of Agriculutre's Natural Resources Division. 

Please visit the following link and view the entire guidelines of Act 605 of 2021 as this Act will have a direct impact on the Association as early as 2024.

https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/natural-resources/divisions/water-development/oversight-of-retail-water-providers/