ROWLAND WATER DISTRICT SUSPENDS WATER SERVICE CHARGE RATE INCREASE
Customers Hit Hard by COVID-19 Pandemic To Receive Much Needed Financial Relief in 2021

December 3, 2020 – Rowland Water District’s Board of Directors has voted to suspend a planned January 2021 service charge rate increase due to the unprecedented financial hardships facing customers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This pivotal rate relief decision was made at a special Board meeting on October 27.

“California is currently facing an unemployment rate of 9.3%, and small business revenue is down 20% since January,” says Rowland Water District General Manager Tom Coleman. “Eliminating this scheduled rate increase will save our loyal customers an average of at least $25 next year, providing people with some measure of assistance during this most difficult time.”

A water rate study was completed by Rowland Water in 2017, which determined that a rate increase was warranted based on factors including rising operational costs, exponential service area growth, the need for system maintenance and financial stability, and the costs associated with encouraging water conservation. As of January 1, 2021, Rowland customers were scheduled to receive a 5% service charge increase, but the District has decided there will be no change to the current service fee through 2021. Customers will be notified of specific details in their next billing cycles.

“There is no doubt that the District will see a significant revenue reduction as a result of this rate increase suspension, but our work in providing clean, quality water to our customers and ensuring a stable water supply for the future will not waver,” assures Coleman. “It is a privilege to serve our rate payers each and every day and welcome any opportunity to work together through difficulties.”

To learn more about Rowland Water’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the District’s website at www.rwd.org
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