Home Contra Costa County Contra Costa Water District Proposes 3.5 Percent Rate Increase, Hearing Set for Jan 6

Contra Costa Water District Proposes 3.5 Percent Rate Increase, Hearing Set for Jan 6

by ECT

The Contra Costa Water District has announced it will host a public hearing on January 6, 2016 for a proposal that will raise water rates by 3.5 percent.

CCWD is undergoing its annual review of rates and charges that support the delivery of safe and reliable water to it’s customers. This review us aimed at ensuring water needs are met for today as well as the future.

The proposed increase in rates and charges of up to 3.5 percent for treated water customers in Concord, Clayton, Clyde, Pacheco and Port Costa including portions of Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Martinez.

The proposal would add approximately $1.98 per month for the average single-family residential customer in the CCWD service area who uses an average of 260 gallons per day.

Under the same proposal, it would add up to 3.75 percent for untreated customers in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez and Oakley.

Following the Jan. 6 public hearing, the Board will consider the adoption of the proposed rate increase. Any changes to rates and charges will become effective on Feb.1, 2016.

The Water District encouraged it’s customers not to confuse this proposed increase with the temporary water charges (“Drought Charge” on your bill) that began earlier this year to encourage conservation. That temporary water charge will be removed when the Governor’s Drought Emergency Order is rescinded.

The increase can be blocked if a majority of district residents file written protests with the district.

If you go:
The Contra Costa Water District will hold the hearing at 6:30 pm, January 6 at 1331 Concord Ave, Concord.

FAQ Regarding the Rate Increase

Why is Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) raising its rates and charges?
We are undergoing our annual review of rates and charges in order to determine the revenue necessary to maintain your water service, our facilities and an appropriate level of staffing. This is part of the long-term planning effort we use to plan for projects (large and small) and to control costs. Every year we update our 10-year outlook plan with the projects and services that will be necessary in the future.

The proposed revenue increase reflects the reality that our normal cost of doing business—purchasing water, operating treatment plants and maintaining a complex distribution system—continues to rise. We review these costs annually in order to make adjustments to rates and charges with the goal of holding rate increases that track with the rate of inflation. The proposed rate increase is based on the 10-year plan currently in place.

How will this revenue be used?
The rates and charges we collect are used to pay for projects in your community to maintain, replace and repair pumps, canals, reservoirs, treatment facilities and distribution components (e.g., pipes) that deliver water to your home 24/7/365.

When will the water rates and charges go up?
If approved by the Board of Directors, the new rates and charges would be effective February 1, 2016

What happens to the Drought Charge when the drought ends?
The price adjustment (“drought charge”) approved by the Board in June is temporary. This added $.50 to price of a unit of water (unit = 748 gallons) and will go away when the statewide drought emergency is eliminated by the Governor. The Drought Program approved by the Board earlier this year was responding to the state’s mandatory conservation goals.

What happens if the rates and charges are not approved?
If the new rates and charges are not approved, we would have to evaluate planned projects and would have to delay work, which would impact water service for customers. We have taken a careful look at expenses and have trimmed budgets to control costs, but this additional revenue is needed to continue to provide reliable water service.

For more information, visit www.ccwater.com

 

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