5.05.010 Tiered rates policies.
The board hereby adopts the following policies for implementation of tiered rates for domestic water use:
A. Adoption of an Allocation-Based Tiered Water Rate Structure. An allocation-based water conservation pricing program in the form of a domestic water multi-tiered rate structure following an inclining block structure with incrementally increasing pricing is hereby adopted. Basic water rates and basic service charges are not affected by this chapter and shall continue to be governed by Appendix A of Chapter 3.05 CVWDC, Domestic Water Service.
Implementation of this tiered-rate program shall occur in two phases. Phase one shall apply to single-family residences and to customer usage through dedicated landscape meter accounts such as homeowners’ associations, cities, schools and businesses. Phase two shall apply to additional classes of customers such as apartments, multiple-family dwellings, mobile home parks, hotels, motels, offices, businesses and public agencies as water use parameters are developed for those customer classes. Phase two shall be implemented by amendments to Exhibit A of this section.
B. Individual Water Budgets. An appropriate water budget shall be established for each customer, determined by each customer’s water needs as set out in Exhibit A of this section as said appendix now exists and as it is amended thereafter.
C. Variance Requests, Appeals Procedures. The general manager is hereby directed to establish procedures whereby customers may request a variance to their water budget allocations as determined in Exhibit A of this section. A request for variance must be made in writing stating the basis upon which the variance should be made. Upon receipt of such a request, the general manager or his/her designee shall review the customer’s requested variance. Within 30 days of receipt of the written request, the general manager or his/her designee will notify the customer of the action to be taken in response to the request.
D. Regulations Governing Domestic Water Service to Control. Establishment of an allocation-based conservation tiered water rate structure shall conform to all provisions established by Chapter 3.05 CVWDC, Domestic Water Service.
Exhibit A. Allocation-Based Conservation Tiered Rate Structure for Domestic Water Usage.
1. Allocation-Based Tiered Water Rate Structure, Form and Function. The tiered water rate structure is in the form of an inclining-block structure with water rates increasing from Tier 1 through higher tiers, as usage increases. The size (volume of water allocated) of each tier or block will vary from customer to customer based upon individual customer water budgets. When a customer’s use exceeds the water budget assigned for a particular tier, the increased pricing for the next higher tier will be triggered.
2. Customer Water Budgets. The volume or amount of water allocated to a customer based on the customer’s indoor and outdoor water needs will constitute that customer’s total water budget. Each customer’s individual water consumption needs shall be determined as set out below which, in turn, are based on household size, landscaped area, and weather factors; such allocations will be subject to adjustments made appropriate by extenuating circumstances such as medical needs or number of residents living in a home. Each customer’s total water budget will be based upon the sum of the indoor water budget and outdoor water budget.
3. Indoor Water Budget. A customer’s indoor water budget (IWB) shall be based on Table 1-1:
|
Single Household Size |
Base indoor allocation per day |
|
0 – 4 persons |
250 gallons |
|
Additional up to a maximum of 8 persons |
60 gallons per day per person |
The indoor water budget for dedicated landscape meter customers is zero. Variances may be considered for household size and other extenuating circumstances, as provided for in subsection 6 of this exhibit.
4. Outdoor Water Budget. A customer’s outdoor water budget (OWB) shall be determined as follows:
OWB = (IA x (sum of ETo) x Kc) / (IE)
IA = Irrigated area
Sum of ETo = The sum of the daily evapotranspiration rates for the billing period
Kc = Plant coefficient (crop coefficient for grass)
IE = Irrigation system efficiency
Variances may be applied for in accordance with subsection 6 of this exhibit.
5. Tiered Water Rate Structure. Each customer’s total water budget (TWB) will be the sum of the customer’s indoor water budget (IWB) plus outdoor water budget (OWB). Incremental water used in excess of total water budget will be charged at increasing multiples of the consumption charge.
The consumption charge (CC) is that consumption rate as defined in CVWDC 3.05.010 and identified in Appendices D and E of Chapter 3.05 CVWDC, subject to change from time to time.
|
Tiers |
Water Usage |
Rate Factor |
|
1* |
IWB |
Consumption Charge (CC) x 0.90% |
|
2 |
IWB up to 105% TWB |
CC |
|
3 |
105% TWB up to 150% TWB |
CC x 150% |
|
4 |
150% TWB up to 250% TWB |
CC x 200% |
|
5 |
Over 250% TWB |
CC x 400% |
*Does not apply to dedicated landscape meter accounts.
6. Usage Variances and Appeals Process. Variances in individual customer’s indoor or outdoor water budgets will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in consideration of household size, irrigated area of property, and other circumstances.
A request for variance must be made in writing, stating the basis upon which a variance should be made. Supporting documentation should be provided to substantiate the customer’s request. Upon receipt of such a request, the general manager or his/her designee shall review the customer’s requested variance. Within 30 days of receipt of the written request, the general manager or his/her designee will notify the customer of the action to be taken in response to the request.
7. Regulations Governing Domestic Water Service. All rates and charges shall be in accordance with regulations governing domestic water service, as established in Chapter 3.05 CVWDC, subject to change from time to time. (Ord. 1366 §§ 1 – 4, 2009)