Water supplies in California and the Colorado River have been significantly depleted and demands for imported water have been at or near all-time records. Additionally, recent Federal Biological Opinions affecting flow conditions and fish and wildlife in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have restricted the export of water from this water supply source via the California Aqueduct. Western purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to provide reliable water service to our customers. Metropolitan imports water from two sources: the Colorado River via the Colorado River Aqueduct and Northern California via the California Aqueduct. The reduction in water supplies and the restrictions on water exports continue to result in increases in the cost of the wholesale water that Western purchases from Metropolitan. In addition to the increased costs of imported water supply, Western anticipates needing additional revenues to fund current and projected increases in the costs of operations and maintenance of the water system, including increases in the cost of energy required to pump water within Western’s service area; and ongoing repair, replacement, and upgrade costs for water system capital facilities.

Western has very limited local groundwater sources and therefore relies on imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. As the entire state faces water cutbacks, Metropolitan is experiencing an increase in the cost of acquiring water and delivering that water to member agencies, such as Western. Metropolitan last summer issued a “Water Supply Alert” to help preserve the region’s water storage reserves by urging cities, counties and local public water agencies to achieve extraordinary conservation by adopting and enforcing drought ordinances, accelerating public outreach and messaging, and developing additional local supplies.

The cost for water has increased to a point where Western is purchasing water from Metropolitan at a higher rate than it is charging its customers for water, leaving a gap. Drought and court-ordered water reductions to protect the Delta Smelt have led to reductions in State Water Project deliveries from the Bay-Delta. The Colorado River system continues to face challenges with drought. The resulting decrease in imported water supplies has created a critical water supply shortage affecting us all. Western’s top long-term priority is to restore reliability to the system used to bring water from the Delta with an alternative conveyance system. This action will result in the ability to deliver the greatest amount of water to the most people, farms and industry.

How Water Rates Are Determined

The Board of Directors establishes Western’s water rates, fees and charges. The Board annually reviews rates and fees to ensure that Western continues to operate cost-effectively while delivering a safe, reliable water supply to your tap. The water bill consists of the per unit charge and the system charge. The per unit cost is the charge for each “unit” of water used. One unit is equal to 748 gallons. The per unit cost covers the actual cost of the water. It also covers the cost of treating the water to ensure that it’s safe to drink, as well as the cost of pumping the water. The system charge is a fixed daily fee that covers fixed operations, maintenance, repair and replacement costs of the entire water system.

The Water Reliability Charge is a proactive approach to increasing system reliability and responsible water supply management. This charge will be an investment in the safety, security and viability of our regional water system with generated revenue dedicated to funding projects related to increasing water system capacity and improving the long-term sustainability of the water supply.

Water Rates Approved; Effective Date Delayed

Western's Board of Directors voted at the Public Hearing May 19 to adopt the proposed increase to water rates . The Board did delay the effective date of all proposed rates to September 1.

Ways Western Can Assist in Saving Money and Water

Western offers numerous programs that can help customers save water and money. Outdoor landscaping is the largest component of typical residential water use and accounts for a significant portion of commercial water use. You can reduce water waste through water use efficiency devices such as high-efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers, many of which have rebates from the District. Any Western customer may also receive a free landscape irrigation system evaluation – call our Public Affairs Office at 951.776.4519. Our Water Wise Gardening for the Inland Empire interactive CD is also available online for easy access and downloads at wmwd.com.

Notice of Public Hearing - Customer Outreach

1 Riverside Service Area

2 March East Service Area

3 Murrieta Service Area

4 Rainbow Service Area

Resolution 2665

Power Zones Map

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