Auburn, Calif. – At its August 20 meeting, The Placer County Water Agency Board of Directors approved a resolution which effectively changes the way capacity charges for residential water connections will be assessed.
With the change, water connection charges will now be based on lot size as opposed to meter size. The revision takes effect on October 5, 2015.
“The current method for assessing the water connection charge based on meter size is no longer appropriate based on residential fire system requirements and other factors,” PCWA General Manager, Einar Maisch said. “Working with business interests and municipalities in the region, we developed a method that offers greater equity and is financially favorable for current, denser land development trends.”
In revising the policy, PCWA evaluated data from several years of residential water use which shows a strong correlation between lot size and water demand. The revised method of assessing capacity charges is more equitable and considered favorable by all parties involved. Included in the method, is a variance option for larger lots having unique circumstances, such as alternate supplies of water, that tend to exist in the rural portions of PCWA’s service area.
“I applaud staff for developing an equitable way to address water connection charges,” PCWA Director Robert Dugan said. “This creates much needed certainty for our customers going forward.”
Prior to approval, the plan was reviewed with interested parties outside of PCWA, including a peer review consultant. The method was found to be appropriate and equitable.
In other news, PCWA Deputy Director of Technical Services, Tony Firenzi, provided a drought update. PCWA treated water customers conserved 38% in July compared to the base year of 2013, exceeding the state mandated conservation rate of 32%. Untreated water conservation in July was down by 27% compared to 2013. August conservation for treated water was at approximately 37% as of August 18.
The next regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn. PCWA board meetings are open to the public.
Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.
