PLACENTIA : Council Opposes Hike in Water Rates
The City Council passed a resolution opposing increases in water rates, citing conservation measures put in place because of the drought.
Council members voted 5-0 Tuesday to oppose any rate hike that water companies may impose to make up for revenue lost as a result of conservation.
Most Placentia residents are served by Southern California Water Co., which recently imposed a mandatory water reduction program on the city. The restriction includes a 20% mandatory cutback from 1990 water usage rates, and users who fail to comply will be subject to a surcharge.
The Yorba Linda Water District, which serves a small portion of the city, has called for voluntary conservation reducing last year’s usage by 18%.
Because most residents have been saving water, the company makes less from water sales. Many water companies, including the Metropolitan Water District, are proposing a surcharge to make up for the lost income. Such a move could also force the Southern California Water Co. to raise its rates because it imports water from the MWD.
City officials said people would be reluctant to conserve water and comply with the drought restrictions if prices are raised as a result.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
