BCVWD Board Approves Proposed Changes to Rates and Service Charges

BCVWD Board Approves Proposed Changes to Rates and Service Charges

The Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) Board of Directors approved proposed changes to water rates and service charges following a public hearing on February 27, 2020.

The decision came after a seven-month evaluation by an independent financial expert who studied current rate structures and cost of service. The study revealed the need for new rates and charges based on increasing operating, maintenance and capital replacement costs. This is the first rate adjustment since 2012.

The new rates and service charges go into effect March 1, 2020. Customers can estimate the impact to their bill using the bill estimator tool online at www.bcvwd.org/proposed-bill-estimator. BCVWD staff is also available to answer questions at info@bcvwd.org or 951-845-9581.

All customers received a Notice of Public Hearing in mid-January which detailed how to participate in the rate setting process. BCVWD also held an informational community meeting February 20, 2020, where residents learned more about the proposed rate adjustments, asked questions and provided comments.

Customers will also see a change to the pass-through charges on their bill. Pass-through charges pay for the cost of imported water and energy needed to pump water. These costs are set by BCVWD’s suppliers and are not controlled by the District. The cost to import water increased by 26 percent in 2019.

According to state law, BCVWD cannot charge more than the actual cost of providing water service. As a not-for-profit government agency, BCVWD is not legally allowed to make a profit.

BCVWD is committed to providing safe, reliable water in a cost-effective manner, while also protecting water resources and the public’s health. For more information, including the full BCVWD Water Financial Plan and Utility Rate Study, visit www.bcvwd.org/water-rates.