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Redmond presenters show tiered-rate model aimed at cutting peak irrigation use
Summary
City staff presented a tiered water-rate study designed to reduce high seasonal irrigation that contributes to mitigation obligations. The model targets roughly 10% total savings over 10 years and larger reductions among highest-use accounts; staff discussed rebates, billing previews, and implementation timing for a pilot and outreach.
A utilities presenter (identified in the meeting as Josh) walked council through a tiered water-rate study meant to reduce concentrated, high-volume irrigation that pushes the city toward mitigation and costly new infrastructure. "We can pump 22,353 gallons of net and out of the ground," the presenter said while describing the city's water right and thresholds; staff said anything pumped above a tier threshold contributes toward a mitigation annual limit of about 1,200,000,000 gallons.
The study models modest, sustained savings: staff set a conservative assumption of roughly 1% savings per year in the presentation, with an aspirational 10% reduction over 10 years. The consultant's modeling showed the greatest savings opportunity is among the highest-use customers (tier 4), where a 15'20% reduction is plausible if targeted incentives and voluntary measures are adopted.
Councilors stressed equity and timing. Staff recommended pairing any rate structure with outreach and rebates (examples cited in the meeting: $125 for a smart irrigation controller; combined rebates might reach about $350 for customers who use several incentives). Staff also described a communications plan: show customers a
