Mewborn Team Real Estate Consultants: CoastalLuxurySanDiego.com

July 24th, 2009

Carlsbad, CA – Water Rates Increase August 1, 2009

Categories: Carlsbad, Communities, La Costa

Carlsbad water and wastewater rates will increase about 10 percent or an average of $7.56 a month for most Carlsbad residents, based on decisions at the June 23 Carlsbad City Council and Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors meeting. The rate increases go into effect Aug. 1, with customers seeing changes in their monthly utility bill starting in September.

Nearly 74 percent of the water rate increase is directly related to increases in water purchase costs, due to the drought. The City of Carlsbad agreed that maybe by passing on a portion of the increased costs, it would encourage Carlsbad residents to conserve water.

To also increase conservation, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District board adopted a new billing rate structure, known as tiered rates. Under the tiered rate system, customers will pay one rate for up to a certain amount of water. Water used above that amount will be billed at a higher rate, similar to how electricity rates are structured. The amount of water in the lowest tier is 12 units, the amount of water needed for essential indoor water use, such as cooking, cleaning and drinking.

Please see the chart below for more detailed information on the new tiered rates.

New Carlsbad Residential Water Rates*

Monthly Delivery Charge Flat Rate $16.78

Tier 1 0-12 units $2.29

Tier 2 13-20 units $2.95

Tier 3 21 units or more $4.02

Typical Water Bill** $44.26

*Rate based on a typical household using a 5/8 inch meter. Delivery charges and cost vary according to meter size.

** Based on use of 12 units of water.

Business and irrigation customers are charged a flat rate per unit for water. The new rate for business customers will be $2.64 per unit, and $2.97 per unit for irrigation customers. Changes to recycled water rates and agricultural rates will be considered by the water district board in July.

Wastewater rates will increase 9 percent or approximately $3.28 for the average single family home. Wastewater is billed at a flat rate for residential customers. Rates for multi-family developments and commercial users are billed based on water usage.

Tags: Carlsbad, Carlsbad homes, Carlsbad News, Carlsbad real estate

Posted by Mike and Amy Mewborn//