San Diego homeowners who use less water could see their monthly water bills increase next year under a proposed rate change that would eliminate the city’s tiered pricing system.<\/p>\n
The proposal, prompted by a court ruling in a case against the city of San Diego, would replace the current system in which customers who use less water pay a lower rate, and those who use more water pay more. If approved, all customers would pay the same rate, regardless of how much water they use.<\/p>\n
Under city estimates, single-family homes with low water usage would see their monthly bills increase by about 7%, or an average of $5.62 more each month. Meanwhile, single-family homes with high water usage would see their monthly bills decrease by nearly 6%, saving an average of $19.52 per month.<\/p>\n
The proposal has drawn concern from residents who have invested in water conservation.<\/p>\n
“It seems like if this went through, it would totally take away the incentive to conserve,” Cynthia Hillman said.<\/p>\n
The Kensington homeowner said she is preparing to replace grass in her yard with landscaping that requires less water.<\/p>\n
Other residents also questioned the proposed changes.<\/p>\n
“That doesn\u2019t sound very fair because if they\u2019re using more that means they\u2019ve got more property, which probably means they\u2019ve got more income period,” longtime Kensington resident Connie Kirk said.<\/p>\n
The proposed changes stem from a legal decision in a case against the city of San Diego that requires the city to move away from a rate structure that incentivizes lower water usage.<\/p>\n
Hillman said the potential increase comes at a difficult time for many families.<\/p>\n
“For somebody who\u2019s having to pay higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, this is just one more thing that makes life very uncomfortable,” she said.<\/p>\n
She also expressed concern about who would bear the added cost.<\/p>\n
“You\u2019re asking the little guy to pay more,” she said.<\/p>\n
Because most California communities use similar tiered water rate systems, the San Diego case could have broader implications across the state.<\/p>\n
If approved, the new rates would take effect in January.<\/p>\n
The San Diego City Council is scheduled to hear public comment before voting on the proposal on Oct. 6.<\/p>\n