EVMWD Board approves water, sewer rate increases

After a public hearing on July 27, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s (EVMWD) Board of Directors unanimously approved its budget with a two-year schedule of water and sewer rate increases. The two-year schedule of increases began August 1.

The increases reflect the rising costs for importing waters supplies, repair and replacement of infrastructure, maintenance, treatment and other components of the water and sewer system. EVMWD General Manager John Vega said, “Adjusting rates helps us cover costs and perform repairs and maintenance, which ensures that EVMWD can continue to deliver a sustainable supply of water and sewer service at a fair price and remain financially stable.”

The new rates are based on an independent study that analyzed the cost of providing water and sewer services. Details of the changes are available online at evmwd.com/218.

In addition to the rate changes, EVMWD’s sewer rate structure may move from a flat rate to a variable rate beginning July 1, 2018 upon further consideration by the board. Variable rates reflect the number of people living in a home and the cost to transport, treat and dispose of waste.

EVMWD provides service to more than 133,000 water, wastewater and agricultural customers in a 97-square mile service area in Western Riverside County. The District is a sub-agency of the Western Municipal Water District and a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. For more information, visit EVMWD’s website at evmwd.com.