Drought Surcharge on Water Bills
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Social
From July 1, temporary drought surcharge of up to 25 percent on water use to be added on water bills by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) to raise some $55 million to buy surplus water this year
In addition, they will see an 8 percent permanent rate increase largely to cover pipeline repairs already postponed for years. This increase is not related to the drought.
The same day, the district also will begin imposing previously approved financial penalties for households using more than 984 gallons a day. Those at the highest levels of use -- 1,476 gallons -- will see their monthly bills soar a total of 45 percent, including the surcharge, rate increases and fines.
"We have many customers who are using excessive amounts, and this provides a rate structure for the water hogs to cut it out," said Andy Katz, a water board member from Berkeley.
The double-barrel hikes are bringing the pain of drought home to 1.3 million EBMUD customers in two counties.
Katz and other members defended the drought surcharge for financing surplus water purchases that provide an insurance policy against more severe restrictions if next winter turns out to be the fifth dry winter in a row.
"We are purchasing water because we have no idea what is in store for the future and what kind of rationing we will have next year," said John Coleman, a board member from Walnut Creek.
The increases will boost the average monthly household bill from $48.60 to $60.25 for 246 gallons per day, a 24 percent, or $11.65 per month, increase.
Rates were raised for all customers. The increase, however, will be steeper for those who use more water. Households using 984 gallons per day will see their monthly bill jump by $72.11, or 42 percent, to $250.39.
Households that meet the district target of cutting use 20 percent below 2013 levels will see their bills shrink.
The district supplies tap water to people in areas of Contra Costa and Alameda counties stretching from San Lorenzo in the south, Richmond and Pinole on the north, and Danville and part of Walnut Creek in the east.
District officials said this season's meager snow pack already is gone in the central Sierra, where EBMUD collects its Mokelumne River water.
Source: InsideBay Area
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