Public hearing February 16 at City of Capitola Council Chambers
At their December 15, 2015, meeting, the SqCWD Board of Directors indicated its intent to change the Service Charges and Water Rates. The Public Hearing is scheduled for: February 16, 6:00 p.m. City of Capitola Council Chambers 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA 95010.
According to the District it provides water service to over 14,400 service connections and relies on revenue generated from water bills to maintain and operate the system. The District does not receive any income from taxes. The proposed rate increase is presented as being needed to provide the District sufficient revenue to maintain financial stability, meet operational and maintenance costs, fund improvements to existing infrastructure, and develop supplemental water supplies to restore the groundwater basin and prevent further seawater intrusion.
The District’s cost to provide water service is described as being driven by the number of wells needed to pump groundwater to the surface, the treatment plants essential to maintaining water quality, the miles of water mains required to reliably distribute water to each household service connection, and the number of customers billed for water service. These costs are said to remain the same regardless of how much water SqCWD customers use. Because water is billed based on how much is used, customer conservation and therefore reduced revenues — while essential to preserving the overdrafted groundwater supply — decreases the financial resources available to maintain the water system.
Some of the planned capital improvement projects that will be funded through the rate increase include:
- The construction of a Hexavalent Chromium Treatment Plant in the Seacliff/La Selva Beach Area, which will improve water quality and ensure the District will continue to meet or exceed State regulatory requirements.
- The construction of a new water tank in Aptos, as well as maintenance to existing tanks throughout the service area, intended to safeguard water storage capabilities.
- The construction of a new well in Aptos to move pumping away from coastal wells and reduce the risk of seawater intrusion into the groundwater supply.
- Main replacement projects in Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Rio Del Mar, designed to minimize service outages due to leaks and ensure the reliable delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to SqCWD customers.
- Continued efforts to work with other local agencies and private stakeholders to protect groundwater aquifers, as well steps toward the development of an additional source of water supply for District customers.
How will a rate increase impact my bill?
These projected monthly water bills are for single-family residential customers with a 5/8” meter. Different customer rate classifications will experience different bill impacts.
How is my monthly water bill calculated?
Your water bill is made up of two types of charges: a monthly fixed service charge and a water quantity charge. Some customers may also be subject to a private fire service charge. Customers are categorized into the following rate classifications: Single-Family Residential (SFR), Multi-Family Residential (MFR), Commercial (including Government), and Irrigation/Outdoor. Ninety percent of the District’s customer base is residential.
Monthly Service Charges: The monthly service charge varies depending on meter size and customer classification. Both the monthly and the fire service charge increase with meter size because customers with larger meters have the potential to consume more water. The entire water system has to be sized to meet this potential demand, which results in a higher cost of service. The service charge varies between customer classes because of differences in peak demand by different types of customers.
How do I protest the proposed rate increase?
Any interested person(s) may present verbal and/or written input to the Board of Directors on the proposed changes to service charges and water rates and the Board will consider all protests; however, state law provides that only written protests of customers, property owners or tenants of real property in Soquel Creek Water District shall be counted to determine if a majority protest to the proposed increase exists.
If you oppose the proposed changes to the water rates or service charges, your protest must be submitted in writing to be considered, even if you plan to attend the public hearing. If written protests are submitted by a majority (50% +1) of affected customers, the proposed changes will not be imposed. Your written protest must be received prior to the close of the public hearing on February 16, 2016. Written protests must include the following:
- The service address, including parcel number (found on the mailing label of this notice)
- A statement indicating whether it is the water rate and/or the service charge you are protesting
- The name and signature of the individual qualified to protest the charges
Only one written protest shall be counted for each individual parcel. Send your written original, signed protest (faxes or email will not be accepted per State regulations) to:
Protest Officer, Soquel Creek Water District, P.O. Box 1550, Capitola, CA 95010