CalAm water rate hike to start March 1st

Residents on the Monterey Peninsula will see an increase on their water bill soon. This comes months after Cal Am got the ok from the California Public Utilities commission to charge more.

The average residential bill is set to increase by $30 a month. This new rate is to cover a $39 million loss Cal Am experienced back in 2013 and 2014 when customers conserved too much water during the drought.

“The fact that because we’re using less water now Cal Am wants to charge us more for the little bit of water we are using seems somewhat unfair” said Pacific Grove resident Talma Taormina.

Taormina says she has practiced water conservation for 50 years, nearly the entire time she’s lived at her Pacific Grove home.

Despite her conservation efforts though, she’s still set to see an increase to her water bill this month. She says there isn’t much more she can do to make up for the $30 a month increase.

“I’ve already put in all these plants that require less water, put in a drip system that comes on for 5 minutes a week and waters them” Taormina said.

Cal Am says the company knows the rate increase is not popular with its customers but its the only way they can continue to provide services.

“The increases are needed in order to cover the vital cost of running the water system” said Catherine Stedman, manager of external affairs with CalAm. “Including the infrastructure maintenance treatment and delivery of water.”

The company is still prepared for customers who may still be taken by surprise by the new rate.

“We’ve actually been spending quite a bit of time working with employees to make sure that everybody here is ready to take the questions that we’re sure are going to start coming when these new rates go into effect March 1st.” Stedman said.

Cal Am adds that conservation can still save you money. They have information on their website on ways you can conserve and tools to keep better track of your water usage. You can find it by clicking the link here.