The City Council, by unanimous vote, approved the proposed water rate increase Tuesday, May 2, and introduced an ordinance establishing new water rates, fees, and charges.
The action comes after a large effort by the City to educate the public on the need for an increase through workshops across the community.
In the coming year San Diegans may be made to pay up to 3% more for running water. Tuesday, Sept. 20 San Diego City Council voted on whether or not to move forward with rate increases.
A rate hike could be the second time in the last two years the price for water could go up.
Pittsburg water customers will soon see a 5% increase in their water rates for each of the next five years as a result of council action this week.
Paul Rodrigues, city finance director, cited increases in the cost of energy and raw water, and the need to make capital improvements – at a $76.5 million price tag – in the water treatment plant as reasons for the increases. Both commercial and residential customers will be affected, but seniors will pay less, seeing only a 2% increase each year.
