Water Rates and Charges
Water Conservation
Development
Water Rates and Charges Effective October 15, 2018
A Public Hearing was held on October 15, 2018 regarding the proposed increase to Water Rates and Charges. The proposed increase to Water Rates and Charges for 2018 through 2022 were approved by Resolution of the Board of Directors (Resolution No. 254).
As part of an ongoing commitment to responsible planning, the District completed a study of its rates and fees to ensure they are adequate to support the cost of providing service. This independent cost-of-service study determined that rate adjustments are necessary to generate additional revenue needed to offset increases in the cost of producing groundwater and the costs for operations, maintenance and improvements to the District’s water system. As a result, the District’s Board of Directors adopted a plan to adjust water rates over a five-year period. On August 25, 2018, a notice of proposed adjustment to water rates and charges were mailed to all property owners within the DIstrict’s service area. The notice provided information on the Public Hearing on the proposed water rate adjustments. The main cost factors that necessitate an adjustment in water rates are provided below:
COST OF WATER
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The District is fortunate to have rights to a local groundwater source in the Main San Gabriel Basin. Anything we pump over our allotment must be replaced to maintain healthy water levels in the basin – either by leasing rights or purchasing imported water. The cost of this water has increased by over 23 percent in the last four years.
GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
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In addition to the cost of water increases, a new groundwater pumping assessment has been put into effect by the Main San Gabriel Watermaster in order to secure additional water resources to maintain water levels in the Basin. Although necessary, this assessment will have a large cost impact on all water providers that pump groundwater in the San Gabriel Valley.
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
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The District continuously invests in capital improvement projects that improve the performance of the water system or extend the life of existing facilities and equipment to avoid more expensive emergency repairs. Recommended improvements have been identified in the District’s recently updated 10-year Water Master Plan, which prioritizes projects based on their benefit.
