IRVINE : Water District Votes 5% Rate Increase

Residents can expect to pay an average of 55 cents extra on their monthly water bills because of a rate increase approved by the Irvine Ranch Water District’s board of directors.

Under the new rate structure, the cost for 100 cubic feet (or 748 gallons) of water will increase by 5%, from 61 cents to 64 cents.

An average household’s monthly water bill will rise from $22.50 to $23.05, including service and sewer charges that total $12.80.

General Manager Ron Young said the district is passing along fee hikes imposed by its two suppliers.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California raised its rates by 7%, and the Orange County Water District increased its rates by 17%, Young said.

The Irvine district was able to absorb some of the suppliers’ increases by using money saved during a management efficiency program.

“What we were able to do is look at our staff and look for ways to reorganize departments and realign our work force,” Young said. “It made a more efficient operation.”

The Irvine board also approved a modest increase in reclaimed water rates.

The board is scheduled to vote on a $82.5-million capital projects budget at its meeting on Monday.