Council opts to keep senior sewer discount criteria for now, asks staff for further research

The La Puente City Council discussed whether to change the senior citizen sewer maintenance discount criteria, including the 200-gallon-per-day water-use threshold written into the ordinance.

Staff reminded the council that the discount eligibility includes three conditions: the resident must be 62 or older, qualify as low-income under HUD definitions and have water use below 200 gallons/day as referenced in the municipal code (a provision dating to 2006). Staff reported 31 seniors met eligibility for the 2025-26 discount. Staff said a representative from La Puente Valley Water noted that 200 gallons/day is high compared with typical low-flow usage (about 55 gallons per person per day) and that some statewide standards are trending toward 42 gallons per person by 2030.

Council members discussed outreach to other water providers (including Suburban Water) to gather comparative data and asked staff to return with additional information. One council member who also sits on the La Puente Valley Water board indicated they would recuse themselves from votes where that dual role could create a perceived financial conflict.

After discussion, the council directed staff to keep the current discount specifications in place for now (age 62+, HUD low-income determination, 200-gallon threshold) and to revisit the policy in 18 to 24 months to evaluate changes in state conservation standards. Staff noted any future change to the ordinance would require a formal first and second reading.