Local water agencies are bracing for much higher wholesale water costs, after the County Water Authority board voted unanimously Thursday to move a rate hike proposal forward to a June 27 final vote.
Sebastopol residents could pay an average of $43 more per month for water and sewer services beginning July 1. The proposed increase, to be discussed by city leaders on Tuesday and be voted on by the Sebastopol City Council in June, is meant to cover the cost of much needed maintenance and replacements on the city’s aging system.
It’s the most frustrating part of conservation. To save water, you rip out your lawn, shorten your shower time, collect rainwater for the flowers and stop washing the car. Your water use plummets.
And for all that trouble, your water supplier raises your rates. Why? Because everyone is using so much less that the agency is losing money.
County water officials say the amount they charge local agencies for wholesale water must increase 39 percent over the next three years, including a hike between 16 percent and 22 percent during 2025.
We’re all in hot water.
Sometimes there’s not enough water, sometimes too much. Either way, water costs for San Diegans will increase to sticker-shock level and maybe beyond, if that’s possible. And using less won’t help much.
Residents in Cardiff will see their sewer fees increase by 15 percent for each of the next four years, while central Encinitas sewer customers will see their rates go up by 19 percent for each of the next five.
The Encinitas City Council gave its initial approval to both sets of substantial price increases Wednesday, but said the increases will be revisited on an annual basis to determine if they are still warranted.
In what may be an illegal tax increase, the board of the Metropolitan Water District just approved a two-year budget that doubles the property tax it collects in its six-county service area.
An updated map created by Newsweek shows where millions of residents in southern California counties can expect their water bills to leap by substantial amounts after another water bill rate hike this week.
As Californians brace themselves for scorching summers and decreasing water reserves, a recent announcement has sent ripples of concern through households and businesses all throughout Southern California. The latest water bill hike is set to take effect this summer, and it threatens to burden millions with substantial increases in their monthly expenses.
If you’re under the San Dieguito Water District, your water rates will increase by mid-summer following a unanimous board vote Wednesday evening.
