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Resident urges review of Waterford—s fixed service charges after low usage; staff cites state rules
Summary
A Waterford resident told the council he pays far more in fixed service and administrative charges than for actual water usage; staff said California rules limit fixed-rate options and recommended discussing rates in the next rate study.
A Waterford resident told the City Council his monthly water bills are dominated by fixed service charges even though his metered consumption is very low, and asked the city to consider alternative rate structures; staff said California law limits fixed rates and recommended the council discuss the issue during the next rate study.
During public comment a resident who did not give a full name described paying roughly $1,200 in the past year while his billed metered consumption totaled about $51.84. "My actual water usage that I've actually water that I've actually paid for... is only $51.84," the resident said, adding that service charges and administrative fees made his bills much higher. He said he did not qualify for existing low-income discounts.
A city staff member explained that water and sewer bills include both an administrative (service) charge and a consumption charge, and said there is nothing immediate the city could do until it conducts a rate study. The staff member stated on the record that "state of California does not allow fixed rates anymore," and suggested the council could consider block-tier pricing as part of a future rate review.
The resident said he is considering alternatives such as cistern systems and composting toilets but staff advised him to check with code enforcement. The city offered to include the matter in the next rate analysis or rate-study process, and to invite the resident to participate in that discussion.
Clarifying details: - Resident's reported yearly bills: about $1,200; billed metered consumption about $51.84 (figures provided by resident during public comment). - Staff said the state does not allow fixed rates and suggested block-tier pricing could be considered during a rate study. - Staff advised the resident to consult code enforcement about alternative systems (cisterns/composting toilets) and to discuss with planning staff (Patrick, code enforcement) about ordinance compliance.
Next steps: staff said the topic can be included in the next rate analysis; council did not take formal action tonight.
(Quotes and attributions are from the meeting transcript.)
