Aurora Passes Drought Surcharge

AURORA, Colo. -- Even though we had a big storm that filled all of the roads and many reservoirs, we're still not over the drought yet.

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And that message was enforced Monday night when the Aurora City Council passed a plan for surcharges that will provide for tiered water rates.

The pricing plan would penalize households that use more water than they are allotted each month. That amount will be based on how many people live in the home, past water use and drought conditions, city spokeswoman Melissa Elliott said.

The rate structure will go into effect May 3 and will be in effect for the duration of current drought conditions or until council directs a change.

Aurora's reservoir levels are at 26 percent and the city is in the process of putting in place a comprehensive drought management plan that will both conserve available water and allocate water use for the city's 65,000 water accounts that serve 290,000 residents.

"Although last week's snow provided some relief from the drought, city officials say that severe water restrictions will still be necessary to ensure that water demands can be met should the drought continue," the city of Aurora said in a press release.

Under most restrictive water conditions (no outdoor irrigation) the average monthly water bill would increase by $12.56, from $19.54 to $32.10. Under the least restrictive conditions bills would jump $2.15, from $39.22 to $41.37.

The current price for water is $2.34 per 1,000 gallons.

The 2003 rate structure is tied to four levels of drought. Which level of drought the city will be at will be at will be determined on April 14.

Water customers will receive an explanation in early April and on their bill.

Most likely, drought conditions would allow a family of three about 11,000 gallons of water per month -- 6,000 gallons for indoor use and 5,000 gallons for irrigation use -- at $2.68 per 1,000 gallons.

If the family uses more than 11,000 gallons in a month, each 1,000 gallons over 11,000 would cost $5.90. If more than 16,000 gallons of water is used in a month, the price of every 1,000 gallons over 16,000 would be $8.85.

Larger families would be allowed more water for the same prices.

If the drought is more severe, households should expect to be allotted less water for a slightly higher price. For example, a family of three would be allowed 7,000 gallons of water each month at $3.42 per 1,000 gallons. Each 1,000 gallons used over 7,000 could cost $7.90. If the family exceeds 9,000 gallons in a month, the price for every 1,000 gallons over 9,000 would be $11.85.

Price increases are slightly lower than what officials expected because the city restructured its debt and is passing savings on to residents, Elliott said.