New water rates that have been deferred by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors are scheduled to take effect on April 1.
The rate adjustment is the second of a two-year schedule of changes approved by the board on August 22, 2019, following two public hearings. Tiered rates will increase, as will the Fixed Monthly Service Charges and Fire Line Charges, for both the Elsinore and Temescal divisions. Sewer rates will not change.
Knowing the hardships that many of its customers are experiencing as a result of COVID-19, the board had deferred the start date of the new rates from July 1, 2020, to January 1, 2021, and then to April 1, 2021.
The rates and charges for water over the cost of providing service, including regular water system maintenance and replacement of aging pipes, treatment, electricity, imported water, and capital improvements. Many of those expenses have increased and the deferral of new rates has created a $500,000 deficit, said EVMWD.
To adjust for that lost revenue, EVMWD has been trimming operating expenses and using reserve funds. EVMWD said it cannot continue to dip into reserves or further delay capital projects that are critical for providing reliable water service.
EVMWD offers low-income rate assistance for its customers. EVMWD’s Rate Assistance for Residents of Elsinore Valley (RARE) program is designed to help customers with their water utility bill at their primary residence. RARE provides a fixed credit on the water bill. The program is based on income and water use and is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. The application and details are available online at evmwd.com.
