Panel OKs Breaks in Water Rate Formula

Despite protest from some residents, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Commission approved a new water rate formula Tuesday that provides breaks for water users who live on large lots, with large families or in hot climates.

Although the breaks would benefit many residents in the San Fernando Valley, representatives of Valley homeowners spoke out against the new formula, saying it does not provide enough relief to water-thirsty Valley residents.

“The amounts that are allowed for hillsides and hot areas are way below what is needed,” said Gordon Murley, president of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Assn. and chairman of the Federation of Hillside and Canyon Assn.

The City Council is scheduled today to consider the water rate formula. If approved by the council and Mayor Richard Riordan, the new formula will take effect June 1.

The DWP currently imposes a two-tier structure designed to promote conservation by charging a higher rate for customers who use more than twice the city’s median amount of water and a lower rate for more frugal users.

Under the proposed formula change, residents who have large lots, big families or live in hot climates would get an extra allotment of water before the higher water rate kicks in.

The formula has generated months of debate among members of the Los Angeles City Council, who have been deadlocked on the proposed changes. In general, Valley lawmakers have supported the new formula while council members from South Los Angeles have been opposed.

In an effort to break a deadlock, Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg has offered a compromise amendment that, in addition to the other breaks, offers additional relief to residents in 38 ZIP codes in the Valley, and in South and East Los Angeles where large families are prevalent.

Murley said he would prefer a water-rate system that uses the historic water use of each resident to determine when a higher rate kicks in.

At the DWP commission meeting, residents from the San Pedro area also spoke out against the new formula, saying the change will force them to pay more for water because they may not qualify for any of the breaks.