Water rates rising
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to raise water rates in Moorpark and surrounding unincorporated areas north and west of the city at a board meeting Tuesday.

According to officials from Ventura County Waterworks, the increase, effective March 1, is necessary to offset the growing costs of imported water, power and materials.

Low rainfall and reductions in water supply from Northern California and the Colorado River were also cited as a reason for the price hike.

Residential and business Tier 1 rates will go up by 9.5 percent, equaling an average increase of $2.50 per month for individual customers.

Farmers, who make up a small percentage of customers served by Ventura County Waterworks District No. 1 but use much more water, will pay an extra $69 per acre-foot of water, said Reddy Pakala, director for the local water district.

If rates are not adjusted, Pakala said, the local water district may not be able to maintain the operation of the system adequately and comply with water quality standards imposed by the state.

The rates in Waterworks District No. 1 are among the cheapest in the county, Pakala said.

Some water customers sent letters to the board to oppose the rate increases, and one speaker reiterated that the price hike is illadvised.

Kim Ramseyer, a resident who lives west of Moorpark, said lack of education is responsible for increased water needs and growing prices.

"Although I understand why they want to make water more expensive so people use less, I worry that so much does get wasted and that so much more could be done to educate people," she said in a later interview.

Local water rates already went up in July 2006 and September 2007, she said, asking supervisors to account for where the money is going.

The supervisors agreed that increased costs may have impacts on local residents who are already stretched financially because of escalating prices, and they wanted to be sure that local farmers have the ability to remain competitive.

"It's already difficult enough to farm," said Supervisor Peter Foy, board chair, who oversees District 4, which includes Moorpark.

Foy also said he wants the county to be as efficient as possible in controlling costs because the price of food, gas and utilities is also going up, making it harder for residents to make ends meet.

Overall the supervisors felt the increase is justified.

"If we don't accurately price resources, then people make inefficient use of the resources," said Supervisor Steve Bennett. "We would make a mistake if we don't price things at their true cost," he said.