Water and sewer rate increases were necessary to pay for regional water projects, the higher costs of buying water, and declining water sales.• The San Diego County Water Authority, who we buy our water from, has invested heavily to increase the region’s water supply. These investments include raising the San Vicente Dam, building the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, and lining the All American and Coachella canals. While these efforts have greatly increased the region’s water supply, it has also increased the cost of water.
• In addition, the Water Authority’s rates include price increases from the Metropolitan Water District, where the Water Authority receives half of its water.
• Declining water sales caused by the drought no longer generate sufficient revenue to cover the costs of maintaining pipes and operating the treatment plant. In order to maintain safe and reliable water service, rates had to be increased to cover these costs.
• Several years ago, the City lowered its sewer rates and began using sewer reserve funds to pay for the systems operating costs. As planned, the City is incrementally increasing sewer rates to get back to full cost recovery.