Southern California has seen record rainfall lately, and there’s a healthy snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. But in spite of all the rain and snow, many local consumers can expect to see higher water bills next year.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s board adopted a two-year budget this week that includes a spike in water rates. This will hit around 19 million consumers in two ways: as higher bills passed along by the city or local agency they get their water from, and potentially as an increased water fee on future property tax bills.
Rates for the district’s 26 member agencies and cities — including Los Angeles — are expected to go up 17% during the next two years, beginning with an initial 8.5% increase next Jan. 1 and another the following January. The board is expected to vote on the property tax increases in August.
How we got here
So after two of L.A.’s wettest rainy seasons on record, why these increases? MWD officials say the increases are needed to pay for infrastructure — and that the recent rains, along with the droughts that preceded them, play a part.
“We have seen a lot of rain, that means folks are turning off their sprinklers, not using water,” said Rebecca Kimitch, a spokesperson for the water district, which serves approximately 19 million people. “But that means demands are low. We are selling less water.”
Which is a good thing in terms of conservation, but not in terms of revenue to maintain and invest in things like water storage, treatment, and delivery systems, according to MWD officials.
“Everyone is helping our community by conserving. We’re able to shore up our reserves…
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