Sewer Charges
For years our water bills have had a sewer surcharge of about 80%, and this was assessed on the basis that about two-thirds of the water used went into the sewer.
Look at your water bill last month. My bill was $71.78 for water, $127.64 for sewer. (Water usage--4,200 cubic feet in 1997, 4,900 cubic feet in 1996; sewer usage--5,600 cubic feet.) Forget the dollar amount; it is impossible for sewer usage to be greater than water usage. I called DWP.
“The sewer charge for the rainy season is now based on 100% of the delivered water going into the sewer and the amount of water delivered is not related to what you used this year. It is what you used last year. Call 1-800-540-0952 for the formula.”
I did, and was told that although 1996 usage was 4,900 cubic feet, at some point I must have used 5,600 cubic feet, so I was charged for 5,600. “Your councilman voted for this; call him.”
JEFFREY BRUCE
Los Angeles
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.
