Point Reyes Light - October 9, 2003

Valley water rates to increase

By Ian Fein

San Geronimo Valley residents and business owners will face larger water bills as Marin Municipal Water District directors voted unanimously last week to increase rates for the first time since 1997.

The new rates, which take effect Nov. 1, were developed to cover increased operating costs and promote conservation during peak summer months.

Valley businesses face a flat rate increase of 10 percent, while residents will have to pay more in the "conservation-based" tiered-rate structure.

More than 81 percent of Valley households fall into MMWD’s Tier 1. Their water bills will rise an average of $4 per two-month billing period. Less than 18 percent of Valley households are in Tier 2. Their water bills could increase to almost $30 per two-month billing period.

The rate changes were recommended to the MMWD, which regulates water for the San Geronimo Valley and most of East Marin south of Novato, by a Conservation Rate Structure Citizens Advisory Committee appointed last year to promote reduced outdoor water use.

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