Marysville water costs surging

Water rates for Marysville residents could rise as much as $23 per month by 2013, if California Water Service Co. gets the OK from the state Public Utilities Commission.

Rates would rise by 22 percent in 2011, 24.7 percent in 2012 and 19.8 percent in 2013.

The average residential customer's monthly bills would rise by an average of $6.24 in 2011, $8.43 in 2012 and another $8.43 in 2013.

Customers with large lot sizes, such as industrial users, would see monthly increases of $10.45, $14.71 and $14.71 again in the three years beginning in 2011.

Earlier this year, Cal Water officials announced plans to install water meters for 2,500 flat-rate customers in Marysville over the next 10 years, as part of a conservation effort.

In a press release, Cal Water officials said the rate increase is necessary to cover higher costs in providing water service, including state mandates for conservation, maintenance and centralized services; and for completed and planned water system projects.

An application by Cal Water for the increase filed earlier this month kicked off an 18-month review process by the PUC, with a final dec sion expected late next year. If approved, rate increases would begin in January 2011.

Cal Water officials said in the release they were sensitive to rising bills at a time when many customers may be experiencing economic difficulties, but the agency also has several water-conservation options customers can use to lower their bills.

Customers will be able to learn more about the proposed rate increase at a workshop planned for the fall and at public participation hearings to be held late this year or in early 2010.

Cal Water is the largest subsidiary of San Jose-based California Water Service Group, serving more than 460,000 customers in 83 California communities through 26 separate districts.