Water Rates
How much are you paying for your water and where is the money going?
For a full financial report of the RWSA, select "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - FY 2007." See pp 53 - 67 for tables.INCOME vs EXPENSE FOR RWSA: This chart from the report above indicates that, in the past six years, water rates have risen by 74% even though costs have only risen by 40%. Note that since 2002, RWSA has accrued 28.8 million dollars in income over expenses from rate increases.
RESERVES: As of December 2007, RWSA had in reserves: $18.2 million dollars in unrestricted reserves from rate revenue and $7.7 million dollars in restricted reserves.
WATER RATES AND WATER USEAGE: This chart shows the change in water rates over ten years for city and county residents separately. Note water rates have doubled while water useage has fallen.
WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES IN 07-08: Last year, water rates increased 3.6% in the city and 7.2% in the county. Sewer rates increased an alarming 19.7% in the city and 17.2% in the county.
PROPOSED WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES FOR 08-09: In May, elected officials will be asked to approve a water rate increase of 2.6% for the city and 2.5% for the county. Sewer rates will increase another 10.4% for the city and 10.6% for the county.
THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG: This chart shows how the debt to finance the 142 million dollar water supply plan will escalate over time. Low rate increases at the beginning will balloon as the more expensive parts of the plan are implemented. CSWP added the "You are Here" to orient the viewer.
Common Myths about the Water Supply Plan
What You Can Do