Water Rates to Go Up for All Users

The City Council has approved higher water rates in an effort to reach Whittier’s target of cutting water use by 25%.

Under the new tiered rate structure, prices will go up for all water users, but those who do not conserve will see their water costs skyrocket by about 80%, said Neil Hudson, director of public services. Consumers who conserve 15% will see their rates rise by about 23%. Even water customers who use 25% less water will pay about 10% more than last year. In addition, all water customers will face a new bimonthly service fee of about $4 when the changes take effect Aug. 1.

“Our decision was based on the amount of water rights available,” Hudson said. Although the city draws water from more than one source, officials expect supplies to drop about 25%.

The new rates virtually guarantee that Water Department revenues will rise regardless of the success of conservation efforts, Hudson said. The Water Department budget suffered last year when residents voluntarily cut back water use by 8% under the old rate system. The result was that the Water Department had to postpone improvement projects in order to make ends meet.

“You can stall off making capital improvements for a little while, but pretty soon you get in trouble,” Hudson said of the need to bring in more water revenue.

Under the new rate structure, conservation targets are based on water use in 1989. Growing families or households that were already conserving in 1989 may appeal their established water-use levels.

The city services approximately 55% of Whittier residents.