Water Rate Shock

Background

The proposed water rate structure is fundamentally different from our existing rate structure. Under the new structure you will pay a new FIXED fee IN ADDITION to your water usage fee. The proposal shown in the letter from the city may confuse you since the new fixed fee ($16/month in year 1, raising to $32/month in year five) is similar to the existing minimum (3 units of water) usage fee of $16.43. The proposed rate structure increases both the fixed AND usage rates in EACH of the next five years. It also gives the city council the power to implement special "emergency" rates without further permission from you.

All of this means that your water bill will experience a dramatic increase.

Small User Example

Current monthly cost for a very frugal user (three units) is $16.43

In year five of the plan, if the council implements their highest emergency rate, the usage rate will become $12.85 per water usage unit, PLUS a base fee of $32.00 per month. This would become $32.00 PLUS $38.55 ($12.85 x 3 units) for a total of $70.55 per month.

Old cost: $16.43
Future potential cost: $70.55

That's a water bill increase of 429 percent!

(Note: Without the emergency rate the bill would increase by only 304 percent!)
Note: Most users use MORE than 3 units. Check the Rate Comparison Chart link, below, for a more extensive analysis.

Click Here for your rate protest form

Click Here for a Rate Comparison Chart