Experience/Research on Increasing Water Rates During Drought Conditions

Liz Foote Maui February 20, 2015

Hi, I am hoping someone out there might have some experience in this area, or could point me to some research. There was a proposed change in the water rate structure last year here in Maui County; it didn't pass but I think they are still considering it. I was wondering if this has been implemented elsewhere and if it was deemed to be an effective strategy to drive water conservation, or if there were any rebound effects observed with water rates returned to 'normal' following drought conditions.
Thanks in advance!
-Liz

Liz Foote

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John Brooks Thousand Oaks

February 23, 2015 11:36 AM

Tiered rates where charges increase as more water is used are frequent in California to discourage water use. This does result in a decrease, but I don't know the numbers or any studies. Suggest you search www.acwa.com the state water association. They are most likely to have this type of info.

John Brooks
Sr. Analyst
City of Thousand Oaks
United States
www.toaks.org/GoGreen

Liz Foote Maui

February 23, 2015 04:49 PM

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I'm particularly interested in finding out whether water usage increases substantially when rates are lowered post-drought, to a level greater than before the drought conditions and tiered rates were implemented.

Liz

John Brooks Thousand Oaks

February 23, 2015 05:41 PM

Legally we can't impose punitive rates in CA. They have to be tied to the actual program costs of providing water, so I doubt the rates will go down. However, we have to get to that post-drought stage before we find out. It is looking more likely that we will have more stringent drought measures in the coming months.

John Brooks
Sr. Analyst
City of Thousand Oaks
United States
www.toaks.org/GoGreen

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