Click the link to read the article on The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel website (Charles Ashby). Here’s an excerpt:
For the first time in seven years, the Ute Water Conservancy District is raising its rates. The utility’s board of directors voted Wednesday [November 9, 2022] to approve a water rate hike and tap fee increase, saying it was doing so to cover increased costs since the last time rates were increased in 2016…
The district, which supplies water to about 88,000 customers in Mesa County, is increasing its monthly rate of $22 for the first 3,000 gallons to $25 for residential customers. It also is increasing by 15% its tiered rates for water usage above 3,000 gallons. The minimum rate and tiered rates for non-residential customers also will increase by 15%. The new rates are to go into effect starting in January, which customers will see on their February bills.
“The district’s primary sources of revenue is water sales,” the district said. “The revenue from water sales is expected to cover all operations, maintenance and replacement costs of the existing infrastructure while preparing for future demands and upgrades to the system.”
Also in February, the district is increasing the one-time tap fee it charges for new construction by $1,000. Currently, the fee for a 5/8-inch meter, the average size of a residential meter, is $7,000. Fees for larger meters are to increase proportionately.