Title
Briefing on Volume-Based Wastewater Utility Rates
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) reviewed and supports the recommendations (see Attachment 1).
On July 8, 2015, the Council Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward the staff proposal to the full City Council for further consideration.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive briefing. Provide initial guidance to staff to implement volume-based Wastewater Utility rates and incorporate the rates into the 2016 budget process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to create volume-based rates for the City Wastewater Utility as recommended by the Utility Advisory Committee.
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter, Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Presenter(s):
Diane Utter, Water Resources Engineer
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director
Background and Analysis:
The 2013 Council-adopted Wastewater Management Plan includes goals for rates and fees that support financial equity and affordability, minimizing rate increases, and maintaining consistent levels of service. The Plan supports evaluating the feasibility of volume-based wastewater utility rates for residential customers. Residential customers currently pay a flat wastewater rate regardless of how much drinking water they use and how much wastewater they generate.
The UAC initiated a discussion about volume-based residential wastewater rates as part of the 2013 Wastewater Management Plan. In May 2013, April and October 2014, and June 2015, City staff presented the UAC with options for both two- and three-tiered residential wastewater rates. The proposed rate structure would provide rate discounts for customers that produce low volumes of wastewater and to some extent further incentivize water conservation. Since wastewater is not metered, drinking water is used to estimate how much wastewater is generated. Most drinking water is converted into wastewater through household use. The UAC discussi...
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