Sewer Rates a Formula for Fairness

An extra $25 per year barely makes a dent in most folks’ net worth. Still, it’s better to have the money than not. Which brings us to that $25--about how much the average San Fernando Valley homeowner will save under new sewer rates formally adopted last week by the Los Angeles City Council.

The new rates, proposed by West Valley Councilwoman Laura Chick and set to take effect this summer, rely on revamped formulas to determine just how much water ends up in the sewer. Valley homeowners have long complained that they get overcharged in hot summer months because most of the water they use goes to irrigate greenery or to keep pools full--not down the sewer. The new formulas will use winter months--when little water is used outside--as a baseline to figure rates.

Although bills in some other parts of the city are expected to increase about $12 per year, discounts will be available to poorer residents. And despite the immature council squabbling that accompanied early debate over the new rates, the measure finally passed 12 to 1 after polite discussion.

Few mind paying for what they use, but fewer still enjoy paying for what they don’t. The new sewer rates correct the problem and ensure that homeowners don’t feel like they’re just flushing money down the drain.