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Questions and answers about your water rates

Why are water rates increasing in May 2008?
The 800 miles of pipes, 26 enclosed reservoirs and other facilities that deliver water to EWEB customers’ taps are in serious need of major reinvestments to ensure that customers continue to get reliable, high-quality water.

Over the next 10 years, EWEB will increase its efforts to rebuild or replace aging water reservoirs and pipes, increase the capacity at the Hayden Bridge Water Treatment Plant, upgrade the water intake structures on the McKenzie River, and develop an emergency “backup” supply of water.

These investments come at a price, as water system improvements are largely funded through rates and by development fees that are charged for new water hookups. EWEB Commissioners approved a 17 percent average water rate that will be effective with customers' May 2008 bills. EWEB is planning smaller, single-digit increases for most of the next nine years. The actual rate increase will vary by type of customer.

EWEB is not alone in its need to address an “aging” water system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that water utilities nationwide need to spend almost $300 billion to bring water systems up to date. Read more about why we need to invest more in our water system...

How does conservation affect water rates?
Conservation, or the efficient use of water, is a long-term incremental change in habits that benefits customers in the long run. Water conservation, particularly during the peak summer months, allows EWEB to delay costly increases in water treatment capacity and leaves more water in the river. 

Conservation efforts by EWEB customers are not the cause of water rate increases. The rate increase in the spring of 2005, for example, was largely attributed to wet weather patterns during the previous spring and summer. EWEB simply did not reach the consumption levels forecasted in its 2005 budget due to wet weather. Cool wet weather can significantly impact annual water sales. In 2005 alone, water system sales across the Northwest dipped by about 10 percent, largely due to weather. Other Northwest cities saw similar consumption patterns as EWEB. This reduction in consumption due to weather patterns is much different than conservation and being a more efficient water user.

Because the costs of providing water are primarily fixed costs, or costs that do not vary with consumption, it’s not possible to avoid rate increases completely. Good examples of fixed costs are those associated with meter reading and bill processing. The cost incurred to read your water meter and process your bill is the same whether you use 2,000 gallons of water or 10,000 gallons a month. Additionally, the costs to supply EWEB customers with safe and great tasting water inevitably go up over time, resulting in rate increases.    

What programs are available to assist me in using water more efficiently?
The Eugene Water & Electric Board’s water experts can help you with a variety of products, services and advice for managing your water consumption wisely and efficiently. See water savings and efficiency for tips and programs that will help you use water more efficiently.

Why does the basic charge vary by meter size?
The size of a meter determines the maximum amount of water available to a house or business. Meters vary in size from 5/8 inch to 10 inches. Although most homes only require a 5/8 inch meter, some properties and many businesses require greater water availability. To provide these larger quantities requires a proportionally larger water treatment, transmission and distribution system. The higher cost associated with larger meters helps pays for those higher systems requirements.

Why does it cost more to treat the wastewater leaving my home than it costs for EWEB to provide me with water?
Both wastewater and stormwater charges are included on your EWEB bill as a service to the City of Eugene. The city manages those utilities and is responsible for setting their rates. For additional information regarding wastewater and stormwater rates, contact the City of Eugene at (541) 682-4800 or (541) 682-4900. 

Why do the rate increases differ between rate classes?
EWEB customers are separated into different rate classes based on how they use water. Residential customers typically have higher summer irrigation needs, while general service customers use more water throughout the entire year. Costs are assigned to each customer class based on how much water they use during peak periods, as well as on their overall level of consumption. Those differences in water use and system requirements are reflected by the various rate increases.

If you have any additional questions about managing your water consumption, please call EWEB’s Water Management Services Department at 984-4747.