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Los Angeles residents face water rate hike because they've conserved so much

Xinhua, October 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is going to raise the water rate, because residents' successful reduction of water usage led to revenue loss of the department.

The average LADWP customer will see a bill increase of about 1.8 U.S. dollars per month, from 49.73 dollars to 51.53 dollars, starting in January 2016, according to local media reports.

This means customers can continue to reduce their water usage to save money, but less than before.

The LADWP said on Wednesday that it would raise water costs for consumers by 4 percent, although water use went down.

Due to tremendous efforts to save water in a fourth year of drought in California, the LADWP's revenue was 110.7 million dollars below its anticipated amount in the fiscal year ended this summer, the LADWP said in a statement.

Only by collecting more money through water rate hike, the LADWP can cover "fixed costs," such as pipe repairs and continued operation of facilities, it said.

Some LADWP customers complained on social media, saying it's unfair and does not make sense, just like good people are punished.

Awaring the state is in severe drought, many residents changed their lawn to drought-resistant garden and making every possible effort to save water. According to the LADWP, Los Angeles residents and businesses reduced their water consumption about 10 percent more than expected.

Some 18 billion gallons of unsold water left the LADWP a revenue hole of 57 million dollars.

Some other water agencies got the same dilemma. "Drought surcharge" has implemented in some area. Enditem