Batavia considering raising water rates
Charging customers who use a lot of water in the summer, whether it is to water their lawns or fill their pools, would encourage water conservation and put a higher share of the fixed costs for the water system on those users.
But while Batavia's water superintendent likes the idea, he is not recommending it to the city council at this time.
Implementing it would require more study and work that couldn't be finished before the city council is scheduled to vote on new charges for water and sewer service this fall, John Dillon reported Tuesday.
In February, a consultant recommended the city institute a summer surcharge for water sales.
In a summer month where their water use exceeds 130 percent of the average of their non-summer use, a customer would pay a higher rate for the excess.
"It sends a conservation signal that, No. 1, if you want to water a lot you are going to pay more because water is a precious resource," Dillon said. Secondly, the water delivery system, including tanks and wells, has to be built big enough to accommodate the peak possible flow of water.
"I don't think we are ready to do that (the surcharge) right now."
Dillon is sticking with the consultant's recommendation that rates for water and sanitary-sewer service be raised over the next five years.
For water, Municipal and Financial Services Group recommends raising the cubic-foot rates 3 percent in 2016 and 2017, 4.25 percent in 2018, and 4.5 percent in 2018 and 2019.
A typical residential customer pays $3.14 per 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) used, so that would rise eventually to $3.79.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nationwide, the average four-person household uses 400 gallons of water a day. The flat monthly charge for water service would also be increased.
The water and sewer rates will be voted on Sept. 29.
On Sept. 15, the city will review a study of the prices it charges for electricity. Sept. 22, it will again discuss whether to create a stormwater utility.