FPUD to increase water rates

Note: In the print version of this story, the writer wrote that the ratepayers’ tiers would be would see an increase from x to y. Instead, the rate increase is by x to y. The changes have been reflected in this edition.

At their April 18 meeting, members of the Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) board of directors discussed what actions would be taken if the San Diego County Water Authority increases its water rates. At a workshop held April 19, FPUD ratepayers were told that if the water authority implements an increase, consumer water rates will be increased.

According to FPUD general manager Keith Lewinger, the public will receive a notice that shows the “worst case scenario” for rate increases.

“It is based on the San Diego County Water Authority raising its rates 18.2 percent,” said Lewinger. “They have not finalized their rate increase yet, but have told us the most it will be is 18.2 percent. That translates to a $9 per month increase to the average customer who uses 15,000 gal/month, or 9.9 percent.”

According to Lewinger, the only increase seen by consumers has come from the water authority.

“We are just passing on that increase to ratepayers,” he said. “We have not given our employees any cost of living adjustment, increase in benefits, or any other costs we have control over.”

Lewinger presented the potential increases to ratepayers at the workshop, indicating the increase to the Tier 1 rate would be a $.52 increase, to $3.58; the increase to Tier 2 would be a $.60 increase, to $4.12; the increase to the Tier 3 rate would be a $.66 increase, to $4.54; and increase for the pumping rate would be $.01, to $.30. In addition, the capital improvement charge will increase by 2.8 percent.

According to the presentation, these rates are a pass through of RTS, IAC and wholesale water rate increases.

“The cost of water represents half of our total costs, which is why the percentage increase is reflected in this way,” said Lewinger. “We have kept the employees’ salary and fringe benefits at the same rates for the last three years.”

To help offset costs to provide its customers with clean water, FPUD has installed a solar powered waste water treatment plant, which is set to be finished within the next few months.

“The plant will produce 70 percent of the electricity it will take to run,” stated Lewinger. “The project will pay for itself over the next 20 years, and will have a positive cash flow, starting from year one. This will help ratepayers save money.”

In addition, FPUD is continuing its efforts on the Santa Margarita Conjunctive Use Project in tandem with Camp Pendleton.

“This project has the potential to meet up to 30 percent of our water needs, and will significantly reduce the prices customers pay,” said Lewinger. “We are looking to the future and are trying to save ratepayers money in the future. Unfortunately, our costs are going up, and we have to pass the costs along because we are essentially a non-profit organization.”