BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND )
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, )
   )
  Complainant, ) DOCKET UW-001675
   )
 vs.  )
   ) COMPLAINT AND ORDER
STROH’S WATER  ) SUSPENDING CONTRACT
COMPANY, INC.  ) AND INSTITUTING
   ) INVESTIGATION
  Respondent. )
 )

BACKGROUND

  On November 2, 2000, Stroh’s Water Company, Inc., (Stroh’s Water) filed a 
contract with the Commission designated as contract for service and fire flow 
between Stroh’s Water and Papa John’s Pizza.  The stated effective date is 
December 2, 2000.

The contract agreement would be used to provide domestic water service and fire 
flow requirements to property located on Point Fosdick Drive NW in Gig Harbor, 
Washington.  The contract calls for several paybacks for an original tank, a 
line extension of approximately 600 feet to include a fire hydrant and several 
other charges contained in the water company’s tariff.

  It appears that the filing would increase charges and rates for service 
rendered by Respondent and that the rights and interests of the public might be 
injuriously affected thereby, it is the decision of the Commission to suspend 
the operation of the above tariff revisions and enter upon public hearing or 
hearings concerning such changes and the reasonableness and justness thereof as 
may be necessary.

  In accordance with RCW 80.04.130, the burden of proof to show that such 
increases are just and reasonable shall be upon the Respondent.

  IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

  1. The operation of the above contract, filed herein November 2, 2000, is 
hereby suspended.

  2. A hearing or hearings, on the Commission's own motion, shall be held at 
such times and places as may be required.


3. No change or alteration shall be made in the tariff revision filed herein, 
during the period of suspension, unless authorized by the Commission.

4. An investigation is hereby instituted by the Commission.

5. Respondent may be required to pay the expenses reasonably attributable and 
allocable to such investigation to the extent the requirement for such payment 
may be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 80.20 RCW.           

  DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 29th day of November, 2000.

  WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION




      MARILYN SHOWALTER, Chairwoman



      RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner



      WILLIAM R. GILLIS, Commissioner