Water and wastewater rates in the city of San Diego could rise dramatically in the next four years if the San Diego City Council Tuesday approves rate hikes to offset rising costs.
If approved Tuesday, water rates will increase by 63% through 2029 and wastewater rates by 31%. The increased costs are part of the city's efforts to keep clean water coming through its residents pipes, according to city documents.
"The main driver of the water rate increase is higher costs to purchase water from the San Diego County Water Authority, which are passed on to the city's customers," a statement from the city read. "Purchasing water from the SDCWA is the second largest individual expense for the entire city of San Diego."
Other reasons for the rate hike include increasing costs of maintenance, increasing energy rates, Pure Water Phase 1 operations and more.
"The city is dedicated to minimizing rate increases for its customers by focusing on long-term financial planning, making strategic infrastructure investments, securing grants and low-interest financing, and maximizing the use of local water resources," the statement read. "However, despite these efforts, periodic rate adjustments are necessary to address critical challenges.
"These include replacing aging infrastructure, addressing rising costs for materials, chemicals, and energy used in the treatment and distribution of water and the collection, conveyance, and treatment of wastewater, and maintaining competitive compensation to attract and retain the skilled staff that keep our system safe and provide excellent customer service."