Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Water District Reveals Plan to Increase Rates

The cost of water in the Mesa Consolidated Water District will increase an average of 7.8% beginning Oct. 1, the first rate hike in four years, according to the utility.

The increase, approved by the board of directors at its March 24 meeting, will raise the average two-month bill for a single-family home from $35.45 to $38.23.

The actual rate for water used will go from its current 99 cents per 100 cubic feet to $1.05, while the basic charge for a 5/8-inch meter will increase from $6 to $7 for two months. The basic charge for larger meters will also increase proportionately.

“The increased rate was necessary to keep the district operating in the black,” said General Manager Karl Kemp. “Even with the combination of reduced debt service costs and projected development impact fees, the rate had to go up to keep up with our increased costs of providing service and supplying water.”