I found it interesting the information contained in the water quality report regarding the rates. The water quality report for 2011, says that an audit found that the current rates covered all expenses. But, the city had decided to increase the rates anyway since the last rate increase was in 2009. When it comes to our water we cannot just maintain facilities they really have to be state of the art.
Effective July 1, 2012, Scottsdale water and sewer rates will increase. All rates are billed per 1,000 gallons used. A rates for a 3/4" meter using 5,000 gallons or less will remain the same price $1.80 gallons. However, 5,001 to 12,000 gallons increases to $2.90 and $3.50 for 12,001 to 40,000 gallons and $4.50 for 40,001 to 70,000 and $5.00 for over 70,000 gallons. The current price is $1.80 up to 8,300 gallons and $3.35 to 44,000 gallons and $4.60 for above 44,001 gallons.
It occurred to me that they bill per 1,000 gallons used but, then show the usage in gallons not in blocks of 1,000 gallons. So, to break it down the cost is .00036 per gallon if usage is 5000 gallons or below. It could also be said that the cost is $1.80 per 1 unit or 1,000 gallons. At $2.90 per 1,000 gallons is .0029 per gallon. $3.50 per 1,000 gallons is $.0035, $4.50 is $.0045, and $5.00 is $.005 per gallon.
Using $2.90 per 1,000 gallons gives the illusion that water is expensive where as saying $.0029 per gallon makes it look very cheap. The same with saying the number of gallons used instead of using 1 unit = 1,000 gallons. It's a marketing trick to make it seem expensive or like you used a lot when you really didn't
Here's my complaint about these rate increases. The cost for using 5,000 gallons or 5 units is $9.00. If 5001 gallons is used then the price jumps to $14.50 because of the one gallon. The city could have billed it at 9.00 for the first 5,000 then billed at .0029 for the one gallon over 5,000 making the total $9.01. This is more of a tiered billing system and is more fair since they will be rounding up for half gallons used.
People who live in apartments will see a reduced bill because the cost of the meter dropped and they aren't likely to use 5,000 gallons since many don't have washers in the units. So, basically anyone living in a house will now be paying at least $.0029 per gallon or more. This doesn't seem fair and in fact punishes people for living in a house.
For HOA communities you can reduce the price being charged because the cost is based on the amount of water that flows through a specific meter. Separate your pool from the irrigation meter and reduce the size of the zones putting each one on it's own meter. This will reduce the flow going to one meter thus reducing the rate. Also it will make it easier to find leaks and reduce waste.
Don't forget to record the amount of turf each meter is watering. This is important to ensure your not over watering. Each sq ft of turf requires x number of gallons per week even in the hottest of summers.
Current Water Rates
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/water/2009+Water+Rates.pdf
Water Rates Effective July 1, 2012
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/water/Rates+$!26+Fees/2012WaterRates.pdf
Current Sewer Rates
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/water/2009+Sewer+Rates.pdf
Sewer Rates Effective July 1, 2012
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/water/Rates+$!26+Fees/2012SewerRates.pdf
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