LADWP customers are urged to reduce water usage, as supplies remain low despite heavy rain in December. (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is reminding customers that their water bills will have rate adjustments in 2022, with the highest water users experiencing the largest increases. Water bills will remain approximately the same for customers using the same amount of water as in 2021.

Approved by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners on Sept. 28, the bi-annual water rate adjustments reflect the cost of water, including purchased water to meet increasing demand created by high-use customers. LADWP’s water rates are in a four-tiered pricing structure that is tied to a customer’s water use. As of Jan. 1, the monthly water cost for a typical residential customer in Tier 1 and 2, using the same amount of water as last year, will remain approximately the same as in 2021. For customers paying Tier 3 rates, the cost of one 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) of water will increase from $9.192 to $10.436, a $1.244 increase. LADWP’s highest water users, who pay Tier 4 rates, will see a rate increase from $9.192 to $12.794 per 748 gallons, a $3.602 increase.

LADWP customers have been advised of the rate increase on their bills and in a special rate notice. Tier 3 and 4 customers will also receive a letter from LADWP about the rate increases and ways they can conserve water, as well as information on rebates and programs.

While Los Angeles experienced heavy precipitation at the end of December, the city, along with the rest of the state and the region, faced extremely dry conditions going into the new year. At the end of last year, the state of California announced a 0% allocation of water from the State Water Project in 2022, beyond that for health and safety needs. The State Water Project is one of the sources of water for Los Angeles.

“The drought conditions the city is facing are serious despite recent wet conditions,” said Anselmo Collins, senior assistant general manager of LADWP’s Water System. “As we urge Angelenos to step up their conservation efforts, the water rate changes further encourage and incentivize water conservation while ensuring rates remain relatively the same for customers who use the least amount of water.”

LADWP customers are also advised that the city has implemented a water conservation ordinance, limiting outdoor watering with sprinklers to three days a week, up to 8 minutes per day, before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

LADWP also continues to offer many rebates and incentive programs that encourage water use efficiency for residents and businesses. Through incentive programs, customers can save water while lowering utility bills.

For information and conservation tips, visit ladwp.com/save.