Water rates in San Clemente will increase about six percent under an ordinance scheduled for final approval Tuesday by the City Council.
Communities throughout California have been increasing rates in the face of a severe drought and ever-rising overall consumption, although current water supplies are estimated to be enough for this year.
The Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown currently are negotiating the price and terms of a possible bond proposal for the November ballot. Brown’s latest plan totals $6 billion but water agencies and interests throughout the state contend it’s not enough.
In Orange County, south county cities are particularly dependent on imported water. San Clemente imports an estimated 90 percent of its drinking water.
And the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted this month for a five percent annual increase in water rates for each of the next five years. That rate hike is effective July 1.
The San Clemente City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Click here to view the agenda.
Please contact Tracy Wood directly at twood@voiceofoc.org and follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/tracyVOC.