What is the Commercial Rate Increase? Winter rates will not change. Summer rates will increase by 4.7%.

Effective Date: Rates go into effect on January 1, 2008.  You will see an increase on the bill that you receive in March or April that is for your January/February water use.

Understanding the Rate Structure: Commercial and multi-family customers are charged seasonal water rates (see chart above.)  Water rates are higher in the summer (July through October) than in the winter (November through June).  Commercial customers include businesses, government offices, schools, and places of worship.  Multi-family residential customers (triplex and larger) began paying seasonal water rates in 2005.  See sample commercial drinking water bills below.
















Why are Seasonal Rates Increasing? In 2004, the City hired a financial consultant to conduct a drinking water rate study.  The study found that commercial, multi-family, and irrigation customers were not paying their fair share of Drinking Water Utility costs.  Therefore, seasonal water rates are increasing to ensure that all our customers pay an equitable portion of the funds required to operate the Drinking Water Utility.  The seasonal rate increase also reflects a shift to the new “marginal cost” pricing structure discussed on the main Drinking Water rates page.

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