DC Water Proposes 13% Increase in FY 2019 Rates; Analysis Needed on Impact

On March 17, the DC Water Board of Directors submitted their multi-year water and sewer rate proposals for Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020. While many were anticipating a 5 percent increase, as has been projected by the utility in its operating budgets, we were shocked to see a 13% increase for FY19 and a 6% increase for FY20. While some may be tricked into thinking that there is a decrease in the rates as there is a decrease in the water rates and the Clean Rivers Impervious Area (CRIAC) charge, a closer look at the information reveals that there was merely a reallocation of the CRIAC to the volumetric sewer charges.

The DC Water Board of Directors will hold its annual public hearing on the proposed rate changes for Fiscal Year 2019 and Fiscal Year 2020 on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. The Board will consider customer comments and approve the following rate changes in the meeting to be held on July 5.

As AOBA prepares for the May 9 hearing, please provide Kirsten Williams with an impact analysis of the increase on your operations.