Why did Monte Vista Water District move to budget-based tiered rates?
Budget-based tiered rates fairly allocate the cost of water service based on water needs. The method recognizes the difference between indoor and outdoor use and rewards customers who use water efficiently with lower water rates. The water budget represents an appropriate amount of water to meet single-family residential customers’ needs. If customers exceed their budget, they will be considered to be using water inefficiently and will pay a higher rate. The Governor has established a goal of 20 percent reduction of water use by 2020. A comprehensive water legislation package passed by state lawmakers in November now requires all water providers to meet specific water conservation targets by 2020. A budget-based tiered rate structure will assist the District in achieving its water use reduction goals. Other District strategies to achieve this goal include increased use of recycled water and continued implementation of water conservation and public outreach programs.
