GWSSA approves 5 percent rate hike for irrigation users for 2013
by Jeff Richards
contributing writer
Nov 21, 2012 | 882 views | 0 0 comments | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Irrigation customers of the Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency will see an increase in their rates when their annual bills for the 2013 water year arrive in the mail next month, GWSSA officials say.

During the Nov. 8 regular meeting of the Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency, board members approved a proposed 5 percent rate hike in irrigation water rates for 2013, followed by another 5 percent increase for 2014. In addition, a new $25 per year surcharge is to be added for each irrigation meter, officials said. Previously, there was no such annual fee.

GWSSA General Manager Mark Sovine said that a power surcharge may also be applied, depending on the amount of water used that requires pumping by electrical pumps.

The rate increase comes on the heels of a particularly difficult watering season for many customers. During the 2012 water year, which was characterized by a prolonged drought, GWSSA irrigation users were placed on usage restrictions that limited them to 60 percent of their normal allotment.

Sovine said it’s too early to tell whether similar restrictions will be needed next year.

“It all depends on how much snow we get this winter. We’re going to need a really great water year to make up for this last year,” he said.

The agency’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
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