Santa Margarita Won’t Hike Water Rates

Despite dramatically higher energy costs, the Santa Margarita Water District’s board of directors has announced that it will not increase water rates during the upcoming fiscal year.

The district will instead use interest earned on its cash reserves to offset higher electricity rates. Using interest from the reserve accounts will have no impact on the district’s ability to complete planned projects, the board said in its announcement Friday.

“Since the power crisis began, SMWD has been researching ways to avoid increasing water rates,” said Betty Olson, board president.

Both Southern California Edison and Sempra Energy (formerly San Diego Gas & Electric) provide service in the district. Edison’s rates already have increased 15%, and an additional 40% increase will hit this summer. Sempra’s rates have doubled since the power crisis began, the board said.

SMWD is the county’s second-largest water district, serving Mission Viejo, Las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza and other parts of inland Orange County, including the new communities of Ladera Ranch and Talega.