Mayor Dwight C. Jones included a major change in the
city's water rate structure that encourages conservation in his FY2015 Biennial
Fiscal Plan budget.
The Mayor’s proposal calls for a substantial reduction in
the base rates -- from the current base rate total of $49.40 to $26.11-- as
well as a move to charging for volumetric usage. This means that residents and
businesses that use more water will pay more, also known as a conservation rate
structure.
“Through this rate structure change, an estimated 50
percent of our residential households will see a decrease in their water and
wastewater bills,” said Mayor Jones. “This action responds to the numerous
voices, including mine, requesting a review of our structure and way to reduce
the base charges.”
The Mayor told City Council "those who use large
quantities of water...will need to be more creative in reducing their
usage."
The Mayor also proposed an
assistance program to provide an average $150 annual rebate on water and
wastewater charges for qualified, low-income households.
Water conservation supports the Environment Focus Area of the RVAGreen Sustainability Plan.
Conservation efforts also support reducing energy used
for pumping, treatment, distribution, and the heating of hot water. The Department of Public Utilities is already a partner in
the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, which encourages more
efficient water use through efficient WaterSense-rated appliances, low-flow
fixtures, and collecting rainwater for reuse. The Department of Public
Utilities provides free weatherization kits to senior citizens with low-flow
showerheads included, and every March, it publicizes and supports Fix a Leak
Week, providing free leak detection kits.
Approved by City Council, the changes take effect July 1, 2013.
