BREA : Council Approves Hike in Water Rates

Water bills will go up an average of $4 per month under an annual rate adjustment approved by the City Council on Tuesday.

The primary reason for the increase is the continuing rise in water prices charged to cities by the Municipal Water District of Orange County. Since 1991, district prices have risen 58%.

Councilwoman Kathryn E. Wiser said the city is “being held hostage” by the district. The city needs to do more to keep water costs down, she said.

City Manager Frank Benest countered that the city has mounted a “very aggressive effort” to find alternative water sources.

One step it has taken is purchasing more of its water from Cal Domestic Water Co., which charges lower rates than the district. To obtain the cheaper water, the city has been buying Cal Domestic stock, along with lease rights to additional Cal Domestic water.

The city also uses well water for some irrigation purposes. Attempts were made to establish additional wells in nearby Craig Regional Park and the downtown area.

“There’s water there, but we can’t get it at a lower cost,” Mayor Glenn G. Parker said. The bottom line, he said, is that water rates for residential and commercial customers must be raised to cover the city’s costs. “I don’t see a way of getting around it,” he said.

Councilman Burnie Dunlap said “it would be irresponsible if we didn’t cover our expenses.”

“We have no choice,” he said. “We either buy water or go dry.”

The increase took effect Wednesday. The average water bill will be $30.