The District has experienced many of the same cost increases that have affected private enterprise. Some of the largest cost increases have been the cost of property and liability insurance as well as energy.Other cost increases that are more unique to the water and wastewater treatment industry include continually escalating costs associated with regulation compliance.To top it all off our District, as well as many others in the drought stricken western United States, has experienced decreasing revenues as a result of conservation efforts.Does that mean that conservation efforts cause increases in costs? No, of course not, however; the volume of water sold is the factor that has to support the cost of water treatment and distribution.If that factor is smaller, the amount paid by each user must reflect a change as well.
Using water wisely always makes sense and by eliminating wasteful or unintentional use of water, we benefit in ways that reach far into the future.Conservation measures can help to reduce long-term water needs and thus reduce or delay the need for new water supply, transmission, storage and treatment facilities.Reduction of water demands also means that more water remains in our streams and reservoirs providing in stream flows, water quality, aquatic life, recreation and aesthetic benefits to our community.
In response to increased costs to treat water and wastewater, the Board of Directors has approved a rate increase.The rate increase will be effective for wastewater treatment and water use during the May/June meter reading period and will be reflected on the statement received in early July 2007.The new rate structure is as follows:Water Charges:Monthly Service Charge: (per equivalent unit)$9.00 Volume Charge: 0-8,000 gallons usage (rate per 1000 gallons) $2.70, 8,001 – 20,000 gallons usage$5.15, over 20,001 gallons usage$6.10. During periods of mandatory water conservation levels, an additional drought surcharge would be imposed as follows:Drought Surcharge: 0-8,000 gallons usage (rate per 1000 gallons)No Charge, 8,001 – 20,000 gallons usage$2.18, over 20,001 gallons usage$2.40. Wastewater Charge: (per equivalent unit)$20.00
WATER CONSERVATION TIERED RATES HAVE THE FOLLOWING ADVANTAGES:
You pay for what you use! The more you use, the more you pay.
The structure has been built based upon District customer characteristics and use.
The resulting revenue generated is in correct proportion to the various types of customers.
Encourages water conservation and rewards conservation efforts.
Meter Reading Periods Typically, a Colorado winter in the mountains would prohibit meter reading during the winter months. Many times snowplows pile snow around and on top of meter pits which are usually located on the front corner of property lines within the utility easement. The District does not have the radio or remote reading technology to read meters when they are obstructed by piles of snow. The months of November through March are the “non-read” period for residential properties. Commercial account meters are read year round.
The District strongly recommends that property owners, who plan on being away from their homes or businesses for any length of time, have District personnel turn offtheir water service at the meter pit. This procedure will help insure against the loss of water in the event of a leak along the service line, or within the structure - potentially causing water damage to the property . The District will perform this service as well as turning the water back onat the meter pit for no charge during regular business hours of 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, seven days a week. After hours requests between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM will result in a $43.00 charge to the account.
During the recent droughts, the simple necessity of water conservation as a way of life was dramatically impressed upon all of us. The inability of a property owner to easily monitor their water usage prompted the District to make available a remote digital read unit that displays usage in 1000 gallon increments. These units are available through the District office at a cost of $95.00 and will be installed by District staff. The maintenance costs for the digital read units are the responsibility of the property owner; typically, this consists of replacing the unique battery every five years. Please contact the District for any/all maintenance questions or issues.
