With many meeting statewide reduction goals and cutting their water use by more than 25 percent, water districts are looking to raise water prices up to 18% over the next 5 years in a bid to expand repairs of crumbling water mains and electricity infrastructure. Since water agencies rely of a certain amount to maintain infrastructure and customer service, the State Water Resource Control Board has opened discussion this week to investigate a way to keep water use low, but also help districts with budget issues. Water scarcity and the need to support these organizations are both teaming up to drive up prices.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) users could potentially see their rates increase 2.4 percent to 5.4 percent annually for five years under a proposal released this Wednesday. In order to keep up with rising power and water costs, LADWP would need to bring up more income – resulting in higher water rates.

This is just the start of the extensive conversation in regards to rates and water usage. This dialogue will need to involve different parties, including customers and feedback from the community. Nonetheless, the scenario is changing and we will have to adapt as it does.

What are your thoughts on this and do you see any immediate solution to the water district income issue?