MMWD Holding Public Workshop on Proposed Water Rate Increase on Thursday, March 29, 6:30-8:00 pm

The Marin Municipal Water District is holding an informational workshop on Thursday, March 29, on a proposed 6-percent water rate increase that would take effect for water use as of May 1. The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for customers to learn more about the district’s finances in general and the reasons for the proposed water rate increase in particular in an informal setting. There will be ample time for questions and answers. The workshop will be held in the MMWD Board Room, 220 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

The proposed rate increase would go into effect for water used beginning May 1 and for meter readings beginning July 1. If passed, the average customer’s bill would go up by $5.63 per two-month billing period, increasing from $94.44 to $100.07. The average customer uses 21 CCFs* of water in a two-month billing cycle and is billed at the district’s Tier 1 rate. MMWD has a four-tiered rate structure and a separate meter charge. Approximately 70 percent of MMWD customers keep their consumption at the Tier 1 level in the summer and almost 80 percent do so in the winter.

Even with the proposed rate increase, the water MMWD delivers to customers costs slightly more than 1/2 cent per gallon.

The Board of Directors will vote on the proposed rate increase at a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.

*One CCF, or hundred cubic feet, is 748 gallons.

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Customer Conservation Success Story: Tier 4 Exemption Means Lower Rates

MMWD customer Edward DeMayo was looking for ways to reduce his water use and his water bill. For this orthopedic surgeon, MMWD’s Tier 4 Exemption Program proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

To qualify for the Tier 4 Exemption, homeowners complete a checklist of water-efficiency improvements, such as replacing thirsty landscaping with water-wise plantings and installing low-water-use fixtures. Once the fixes are verified through a site visit, the property becomes exempt from Tier 4 water rates, ensuring that water is billed at no higher than Tier 3. The exemption lasts two years and can be renewed through another site visit.

Ironically, after completing the checklist Dr. DeMayo found the exemption was no longer needed—the upgrades alone were enough to bring the household water use below Tier 4! In fact, from 2008 to 2010 the DeMayos slashed their water consumption nearly in half.

To learn more about the Tier 4 Exemption Program, visit our website or contact the Water Conservation Department at (415) 945-1520.

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Workshop on Proposed Water Rate Increase on April 20

MMWD is holding an informational workshop on Wednesday, April 20 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on a proposed water rate increase that would take effect for water use as of May 1. The workshop will be held in the MMWD Board Room, 220 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera.

The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for customers to learn more about the district’s finances in general and the reasons for the proposed water rate increase in particular in an informal setting. There will be ample time for questions and answers. Click here to view information that was prepared earlier this year for a presentation at a water rate workshop held in February before the board voted to announce the potential rate increase. Topics include a review of the district’s finances, what our major responsibilities are and what kind of funding they require, a brief history of water rates, a description of cost-cutting measures MMWD has taken in the last two fiscal years and a review of the various factors that are driving the rate increase proposal.

The Board of Directors will vote on the proposed rate increase at a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. The hearing will be held in the San Rafael City Hall Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. If passed, the rate increase would go into effect for water used beginning May 1 and for meter readings beginning July 1. The new rates would increase water bills by 4 percent. That means the average customer’s bill would go up $3.72 per two-month billing period, increasing from $90.72 to $94.44 based on the use of 21 CCFs* of water in that two-month period. (More information is available on our website.) Approximately 70 percent of MMWD customers keep their consumption at the Tier 1 level in the summer and almost 80 percent do so in the winter.

Even with this proposed rate increase, water continues to be a good value. The water MMWD delivers to your home or business 24/7 costs just ½ cent per gallon.

*One CCF, or hundred cubic feet, is 748 gallons

Please note: The date for the workshop was changed from April 13 to April 20.

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