Water Rates Hold Firm in Power Flap

The statewide electricity crisis will not affect water rates for now for customers of the Santa Margarita Water District, General Manager John J. Schatz announced.

The district, the county’s second-largest, serves Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza and portions of inland southern Orange County, including the Ladera Ranch and Talega communities.

“So far, we have been able to insulate customers against the rising costs of power,” Schatz said. “It is our intent to see the situation resolved at the state level before we evaluate our options.”

In the meantime, the district has put in place emergency procedures to prepare for possible rolling blackouts by topping off reservoirs and placing standby generators at key locations.

“We plan for emergencies, whether they be earthquakes, floods or, in this case, power disruptions,” he said. “A rolling blackout should not disrupt water or sewer service for our customers.”