THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Mayor Dwight C. Jones included a major change in the city's water rate structure that encourages conservation in his FY2015 Biennial Fiscal Plan budget.

The Mayor’s proposal calls for a substantial reduction in the base rates -- from the current base rate total of $49.40 to $26.11-- as well as a move to charging for volumetric usage. This means that residents and businesses that use more water will pay more, also known as a conservation rate structure.

“Through this rate structure change, an estimated 50 percent of our residential households will see a decrease in their water and wastewater bills,” said Mayor Jones. “This action responds to the numerous voices, including mine, requesting a review of our structure and way to reduce the base charges.”

The Mayor told City Council "those who use large quantities of water...will need to be more creative in reducing their usage."

The Mayor also proposed an assistance program to provide an average $150 annual rebate on water and wastewater charges for qualified, low-income households.

Water conservation supports the Environment Focus Area of the RVAGreen Sustainability Plan. Conservation efforts also support reducing energy used for pumping, treatment, distribution, and the heating of hot water. The Department of Public Utilities is already a partner in the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, which encourages more efficient water use through efficient WaterSense-rated appliances, low-flow fixtures, and collecting rainwater for reuse. The Department of Public Utilities provides free weatherization kits to senior citizens with low-flow showerheads included, and every March, it publicizes and supports Fix a Leak Week, providing free leak detection kits.

Approved by City Council, the changes take effect July 1, 2013.