Water Bills Could Rise

Water could cost more in Watsonville.

By now, most residents should have received a notice from the city about the proposed increase to utility fees. But if it went out with the junk mail, here's a rundown of what the Watsonville City Council will consider next month.

The average residential user in the city will pay about $5.50 a month more in utility costs.

• $2 a month increase for water
• $2 more for sewer
• $1.50 increase per month for garbage

Steve Palmisano, assistant director of public works and utilities in Watsonville, said the increases are largely to pay for infrastructure improvements to city water mains and sewer lines. Half of the city water wells are more than 50 years old. Palmisano estimated about 50 percent of the pipes in the city are at least that old.

Replacing aging systems before they break is easier and cheaper than waiting until emergency repairs are required, Palmisano said.

"Essentially it’s important infrasturcutre planning," Palmisano said. "It’s long-range planning. It’s an investment in our community and our future.”

Already, Public Works replaces about a half-mile of pipe annually. But the city has approximately 180 miles of piping that will need to be swapped out with new materials. That means, at the rate the city is going, it will take 200 years to finish the project.

Upgrading the city infrastructure will cost $44 to $88 million, Palmisano said. Nationwide, it's a $1.5 trillion project.

"It's an issue across the country," Palmisano said.

Watsonville's been putting off increasing rates because of the recession, but city staff decided it couldn't wait any longer because the system is aging rapidly.

"We have to make this investment," Palmisano said.

Here in Watsonville, the water rate increase amounts to 3 cents more per gallon—up to 37 cents. That's still the lowest water rate in the county and about half of what customers in Santa Cruz pay, according to Palmisano.

“Our hope was to do the best we can for our customers," Palmisano said.

The proposed utility rate increases will be presented to the city council on June 12.