Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) Board of Directors voted in new sewer rates and water shortage surcharges.
EVMWD retained an independent financial consultant to conduct a comprehensive cost-of-service analysis and rate study. The study showed the need for sewer rate adjustments to account for increased costs for maintenance, treatment, infrastructure, and conveyance. The proposed sewer rate adjustment was approved with a 4-1 vote.
Under the new rates, a family of four will see an increase on their bill of less than $5. per month, according to EVMWD. Sewer rates are the only rates that are increasing. Water rates remain the same.
With a 5-0 vote, EVMWD also approved water shortage surcharges that can only be implemented during water shortages. Customers will see a change on their bill unless an emergency declaration is issued, and implementation of the surcharges is approved by the board.
“We are striving to keep the impacts to your bill as minimal as possible and understand that any rate increases can be difficult,” Board President Andy Morris said. “Both of these changes ensure that we can continue to provide quality sewer and water services to our customers as costs increase and in future emergency situations.”
EVMWD currently has two low-income programs available to assist customers. The RARE Program allows qualifying customers to be eligible for low-income rate assistance on their water and/or sewer bill at their primary residence. To offset the sewer rate increase, the board also approved a first-time $5 per month sewer credit for low-income and disadvantaged customers who are enrolled in the RARE program. The RARE program is funded through non-ratepayer funds. The Low Income Household Water and Wastewater Assistance Program provides another source of financial assistance. For more information on these programs, visit the EVMWD website.
