New Water Rates in Effect!
Effective January 1, 2023, the District has implemented a new budget-based rate system to help us achieve irrigation efficiency and reduce the amount of water being wasted on outdoor irrigation. Your monthly water bill is comprised of both a Base Rate and a Usage Charge.
Base Rate
| Meter Size | Water | Sewer | Storm |
| 3/4â | $31.80 | $26.80 | $4.50 |
| 1â | $40.50 | $44.70 | $7.45 |
| 1â Upper Zone | $40.50 | $44.70 | $7.45 |
| 1.5â | $52.10 | $89.40 | $14.90 |
| 1.5â Upper Zone | $52.10 | $89.40 | $14.90 |
| 2â | $83.90 | $143.10 | $23.80 |
| 3â | $318.40 | $268.30 | $44.70 |
Additionally, each lot within the Village is charged a $59 per month Capital Improvement Fee to help fund capital improvement projects throughout the District.
Usage Charge
The Usage Charge is based on the amount of water that you use. The Usage Charge in previous years was based on a fixed-tier structure based on how many gallons you use. However, beginning January 1, 2023, we implemented a new variable rate structure that incentivizes alignment with your water budget. These new rates were first introduced to residents in February 2022 at the Community Water Symposium. The rate tiers will be based on how your actual usage each month compares to your âTotal Water Budgetâ. Each residence has been assigned a water budget that is customized for the individual property. Water use during winter months (November through March) is unbudgeted and all water will be billed at the lowest (Tier 1) rate. Water use during the summer months (April through October) will be billed based on how effectively you meet your water budget. The Usage Charges are presented in the table below.
| Tier | Rate (per Thousand Gallons) |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Within Budgeted Gallons) | $6.75 |
| Tier 2 (100% to 120% of Budgeted Gallons) | $10.50 |
| Tier 3 (120% to 140% of Budgeted Gallons) | $15.50 |
| Tier 4 (Greater than 140% of Budgeted Gallons( | $21.50 |
What is a Water Budget?
Every customer will be given a Total Water Budget customized to their property. All water will be billed within the lowest (Tier 1) rate as long as you stay within your monthly Total Water Budget. However, your water rates will increase if you exceed your Total Water Budget. Your water rates will continue to increase as you continue to exceed your Total Water Budget. Every residence will receive their 2023 water budget in March 2023. More information regarding water budgets can be found in the FAQ document at the bottom of this page.
Why is the District increasing water rates?
Water rate increases are required for several reasons, including:
- A water system master plan recently completed by engineering consultants identified several pieces of critical infrastructure (including our water treatment plant, water storage tank, and water distribution infrastructure) that needs to be modernized and rehabilitated. Updating these critical pieces of infrastructure required the District to recently close on $25 million in bonds as well as spend $4 million of our reserves in 2022 to complete water infrastructure repairs.
- Operational expenses continue to grow by 3%-4% per year.
- Water rates in the District have not been increased in over 12 years.
What can I do to reduce my water bill?
Your water bill is largely influenced by the amount of water you use to irrigate lawn and bedding areas. The District has been proactive in promoting irrigation efficiency throughout The Village. More than 60% of residences within The Village have taken advantage of the Districtâs free analyses and had the efficiency of their irrigation system evaluated. Additionally, all residences within The Village are eligible for a $1,500 rebate to improve the efficiency of their irrigation system. This spring/summer, we will once again be conducting Irrigation Efficiency Analyses. Sign-ups for this program will be available beginning in April. We encourage all residents to participate in this program to help reduce your water waste and reduce your monthly bill.
Still Have Questions?
We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions, which can be found by clicking here. You can also give us a call at (303) 688-8330.