East Bay residents could face higher water and wastewater bills in the coming years if a proposed rate increase by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is enacted. The utility has laid out a plan that would see average rate hikes of 6.5% for water and 8.5% for wastewater customers annually for the next two fiscal years, according to information supplied by EBMUD.
The changes are tied to a significant infrastructure upgrade as part of EBMUD's extensive $3.2 billion budget for the next biennium. The funds are earmarked for a 10-year plan including capital improvement projects, which, among various enhancements, aim to tackle aging water pipelines and fortify key water treatment facilities. Average customers using 125 gallons of water per day could anticipate a monthly increase of approximately $3.77 in the first year and an additional $4.30 in the second year, as per EBMUD's projections.
The proposal is not without its opponents, as some community residents, like Erica Colon of Contra Costa County, express concern over the escalating cost of essential services. "Everything is going up," Colon told NBC Bay Area. "Nobody can catch up. Middle class families can't catch a break." With the cost of living on the rise, there is a palpable tension over additional financial burdens.
Key investments highlighted by EBMUD in their budget include $1.2 billion for capital projects over the next two years, and a substantial $5.6 billion over a decade for various system overhauls. This includes a major disinfection and chemical systems improvement project at the Orinda Water Treatment Plant, serving over 800,000 customers daily, and installing more than 50 miles of water pipelines across multiple jurisdictions, bringing much-needed enhancements to the areas served. EBMUD General Manager Clifford Chan emphasized the need for these projects, saying, "With many known and unknown challenges ahead, our focus on public health and environmental protection remains unwavering," as per EBMUD's press release.
A public hearing has been scheduled for June 10 at EBMUD's Board of Directors meeting, offering the community an opportunity to voice their concerns or support the proposal. Should the rate hikes be approved, impacted customers can expect the new rates to take effect on July 1.
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