residential newsletter

7/28/2019 Residential Newsletter

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South Coast Water District

For Residential Custome

JUNE 2013

Why We Are Considering Rate Change

The District continues to reduce costs, improve efciencobtain grants and generate other revenueshelping to kerates as low as possible. However, we must now consider rchanges to cover:

Steadily rising costs o imported water.

Vital investments in local sources o water.

Major repair and replacement o aging acilities.

Emergency preparedness and environmental complianc

PLEASE JOIN USLearn more, ask questions

and provide input.

COMMUNITY FORUMS

OCEAN INSTITUTEDana Point

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013

Afternoon Forum2 PM - 3:30 PM

Evening Forum6 PM - 7:30 PM

PUBLIC HEARING(BOARD VOTE)

Dana PointCity Council Chambers

33282 Golden LanternTHURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

6 PM

More Information949/499-4555 ext. 1

[email protected]

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS AND BILL PAYERAnnouncing a Public Hearing on Proposed Charges for Water and Sew

Services and a Public Report of Water and Sewer Service Charges Per Par


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Key Reasons WATER RATEncreases Are Needed

4Steadily Rising Costs of Imported Water

Currently, three quarters of the Districts water supplyis imported from the Colorado River and NorthernCalifornia. Costs of imported water are rising fasterthan the general rate of inflation.

4Need To Invest In Local Water Sources

Today, we are 75% dependent on decreasing anduncertain supplies of imported water. Over the next10 years, we plan to invest up to $50 million to reduceour reliance on imported water. We will continueto develop reliable, local water supplies, such as

groundwater and recycled wateras well as partici-pate in ocean desalination projects.

Key Reasons SEWER RATEIncreases Are Needed

4Critical Sewer Tunnel Reconstruction

Over one million gallons a day of the Districts wawater flows through a two-mile sewer line in a tunwithin the bluffs. The aging tunnel must be enlarand reinforced to ensure worker safety and prevfalling rocks and beams from damaging the line causing a sewer spill into the ocean. This multi-yproject is estimated at $90 million.

4Sewer Lift Station Upgrades

The District has prioritized approximately $14 milfor the repair or replacement of sewer lift stati

over the next 10 years. In our hilly terrain, sewerstations ensure that wastewater is pumped towregional treatment facilities.

Continued Quality Service and Environmental ProtectionOver the next decade, the District must invest tens of millions of dollars on necessary

water and sewer upgrades and the development of local water supplies.

Smart Planning, Sound Finances:A Rate Increase Is Still Necessary

The Board has comprehensive, long-range plans thatidentify cost-effective approaches to accomplish priorities.The District has earned AAA and AA+ bond ratings,passed its financial audits and implemented investment,reserve and financial management policies. All this helpslower expenses, but in the face of steadily rising costs,

the Board is considering necessary rate changes.

The Value of Water

Its easy to take tap water for granted. Its alwthere when you turn on the faucet and costs less ta penny per gallon. We must invest in local wasupplies and replace aging facilities so water alw

flows from your faucet. Even with the proposed changes, a gallon of tap water would still cost a frtion of a cent.

Thank You for Using Water Wisely

Whether we are in a drought or notplease contito use water wisely. Your efforts are making a signcant difference to help ensure reliable water suppl

Plus, youll save money on your bill.


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PROPOSED CHARGES

PROPOSED RATES PER UNIT OF WATER

PROPOSED CHARGES

PROPOSED RATES PER UNIT OF WATER

About 80% of residential customers have 3/4 meters.A few residential customers have meters larger than 1 and they may contact the District for the proposed charges.

MONTHLY CURRENT RATESWATER USAGE PER UNIT OF WATER 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

First 1-5 Units $2.01 $2.16 $2.25 $2.31

6-13 Units $3.85 $4.07 $4.18 $4.28

14-25 Units $5.77 $6.10 $6.27 $6.42

26-62 Units $7.69 $8.13 $8.36 $8.56

63+ Units $9.61 $10.16 $10.45 $10.70

The rates shown on these tables are the maximum tha t will be considered for the upcoming three fiscal years.

If approved, proposed rates and charges would take effect on July 1 of each year.

CHART 3 PROPOSED SEWER USAGE RATESCharged on the District Bill

Sewer usage rates are based on actual water use.

1 UNIT OF WATER = 1 CCF = 748 GALLONS

CURRENT RATEPER UNIT OF WATER 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

$0.97 $1.18 $1.20 $1.22

CHART 4 PROPOSED ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGECollected on the Property Tax Bill

This charge is for maintenance, repair and improvementof the sewer system and treatment of wastewater.

Single-Family Residence Rates and Charges

Rates and charges cover costs of providing all District services.Customers are charged based on the cost of serving them, calcu-lated using measurable factors such as meter size, water use, andestimated strength and flow of wastewater.

CHART 1 PROPOSED WATER USAGE RATES

Charged on the District BillThe less water you use, the lower the rate.

1 UNIT OF WATER = 1 CCF = 748 GALLONS

METER CURRENTSIZE CHARGES 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

3/4 $284.62 $290.62 $294.20 $297.68

1 $512.31 $523.12 $529.56 $535.83

CHART 2 PROPOSED ANNUAL WATER SERVICE CHARGECollected on the Property Tax Bill

This charge is for maintenance, repair and improvement of the water system.

CURRENTCHARGE 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

$453.37 $418.44 $446.46 $502.82

TYPICAL LOW WATER US10 units of water per monthor 7,480 gallons

Monthly BillWater and Sewer Use

CURRENT:$39.00

PROPOSED:

2013-14: $42.952014-15: $44.152015-16: $45.15

TYPICAL HIGH WATER US20 units of water per monthor 14,960 gallons

Monthly BillWater and Sewer Use

CURRENT:

$100.64PROPOSED:

2013-14: $109.662014-15: $112.582015-16: $115.13

ANNUAL WATERSERVICE CHARGE

Residence with 3/4 inch met(about 80% of residences)

CURRENT:

$284.62PROPOSED:

2013-14: $290.622014-15: $294.202015-16: $297.68

ANNUAL SEWERSERVICE CHARGE

All Residences

CURRENT:$453.37

PROPOSED:2013-14: $418.442014-15: $446.462015-16: $502.82

An online Bill Calculatoravailable at www.scwd.orghelp you estimate your indiual monthly bill at different els of water use under the pposed rates. You may also ctact Customer Service for m

information: [email protected]/499-4555 ext. 1.

EXAMPLES OFRESIDENTIAL CHARG


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South Coast Water District

31592 West Street

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

PRSRT ST

U.S. POST

PAID

V3

OARD OF DIRECTORS

Wayne Rayfield - President Bob Moore - Vice Presidentick Dietmeier Rick Erkeneff Richard Runge

his document was mailed using legally-mandated requirements.

you receive more than one copy of this notice, we apologize.

ates are proposed to change for all customers and property

wners served by the District. If you have a commercial account

ith the District or are a customer through a homeowners

ssociation, you will receive a similar notice by U.S. Mail

roviding details on those proposed rate changes. If you do not

eceive a notice and believe you should have, please contact

s at 949/499-4555 ext. 1. All rate notices are available on our

ebsite: www.scwd.org/rates.

Printed on recycled paper.

PLEASE JOIN US

Learn more, ask questionsand provide input.

COMMUNITY FORUMS

OCEAN INSTITUTEDana Point

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013

Afternoon Forum2 PM - 3:30 PM

Evening Forum6 PM - 7:30 PM

PUBLIC HEARING(BOARD VOTE)

Dana PointCity Council Chambers33282 Golden Lantern

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 20136 PM

Before Considering a Rate Change, We Cut Costsand Mo

Grants, Subsidies and Reimbursements Help Bottom Line. The Disreceived or was awarded $848,000 last year alone, including $500,in grants for the Aliso Creek Runoff Reuse project that will enhance recycled water supply.

Increased Efficiency Lowers Costs.The Board has prioritized costreduction, and each employee doeshis/her share. Last year, at ourGroundwater Facility, for exam-ple, operational improvements cut$130,000 in annual recurring costs.

Other Sources of Revenue OffsetRising Costs. The District generatesapproximately $600,000 per yearin lease revenues from its San Juan

Creek property.

Please contact Customer Service i you would like help estimatingwhat your charges would be under the proposed rates:

949/499-4555 ext. 1 [email protected] www.scwd.org.Attencin residentes que hablan Espaol: Favor de llamar a la ofcina

de SCWD, al teleono 949/499-4555 ext. 1.

f a majority of property owners and/or customers of identified par-

els served by the District submit protest letters to the proposed rate

ncrease, the District shall not impose the increase. The Board will

eceive the results of the filed protests.

To be valid, a protest letter must (a) be a typed or hand-written original

with the account holders original signature, (b) identify the property

where water and/or sewer service is provided, such as the Assessors

Parcel Number, (c) identify the customers account number or street

ddress where service is provided, (d) indicate which water and/or

sewer rates are being protested, and (e) be mailed or delivered t

District before or at the Public Hearing. Only one protest letter w

counted per parcel. Emailed or faxed protests will not be counted

Please indicate if you would like your protest letter to be deliv

to the Board and made available for public review. The Board

receive the results of the filed protests, but it is the Districts inte

keep your protest letter confidential unless otherwise required u

California Law, or you request it be made available for public rev

YOU MAY SUBMIT A PROTEST AGAINST THE PROPOSED RATE CHANGES

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