Water Costs to Increase Significantly in Sunset Mesa

On Monday, November 17, several representatives of the LA Waterworks District 29 appeared before the board to explain the upcoming price increase they are requesting approval for.

Apparently, mailers have been sent to all of their customers, but, because most of our residents have forwarding of their mail, it seems that most of us have not received these mailers.

The bad news is that the rate increases, which would start on January 1st are significant, and will continue increasing for the next five years. Because of the complex nature of the rate formula they use, the best way to determine how your bill will increase is to use the calculator they have created.  https://pw.lacounty.gov/WWD/CIS/BillCalculator/

We have seen increases ranging from approximately 30% to 100% for individual households.  Under Prop 28, customers have the right to protest against the rate increase.  If more that 50% of their customers oppose the rate hike it cannot be implemented.

LA Waterworks has created a page that explains the justification for this price increase, along with instructions on how to oppose the rate hike. Prop-218-Notice-D29.pdf

We encourage our members to understand how their rates will be affected, so that you are not blindsided by the increase.  The LA County Board of supervisors will be conducting a final vote to approve the rate hikes at their Dec 16 public meeting. It is still possible that the rate hike will be rejected or postponed by the Supervisors if they hear from enough residents.

We are also working to understand the requirements and costs for new construction sites to install back-flow valves with their new water meters.  We will provide information on this requirement as soon as available.