Typical Residential Customer to See Increase of $16.87 / Month
On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, the City Council held a Public Hearing to consider the proposed adjustments to water rates in order to pay for the new pass-through water production costs related to the ongoing drought conditions in the region. These fees are being levied on the City by the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster (Watermaster) and the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District) in order to address the water supply shortage in the Main San Gabriel Basin following the historic, decade-long drought.
Instituting these fees allowed the Watermaster to purchase 40.7 billion gallons at a cost of over $100 million to replenish the groundwater aquifer that supplies our region, and return the Basin to a healthy level to ensure a continued water supply.
The new costs took effect on March 8, 2018, and will first appear on customers’ April 2018 bills. Based on the proposed rate increase, the typical single-family residential water customer (who uses 15 units of water per month) will see a monthly increase in their water bill of $16.87. In an effort to continue with public notification efforts regarding the water rate adjustment, the following insert is being included with every utility bill that the City distributes in March / April 2018.
We know that this water rate adjustment will cause additional financial strain on residents and business owners, and it is important to note that a senior discount and economic hardship discount will continue to be offered to residents for whom the proposed fee adjustments would present an undue burden. To apply, please complete the discount application available on the City’s website, or in person at City Hall. In addition, for more information on the water rate adjustment, please view the flyer on the City’s webpage.
