Predicting the effects of water rate increases for 2010.

As I reported earlier there will be significant increases to our water rates for 2010. I made some calculations comparing water costs using 2009 rates to the proposed new rates. Selected six models as examples of cost increases as follows:

Low consumption: single person using 20 m3 of water quarterly (11% increase);

Low consumption: couple using 40 m3 of water quarterly (12% increase);

Moderate consumption: family of four (no outside use) (14% increase);

Moderately high consumption: couple with garden (21% increase);

Moderately high consumption: family of four with garden (27% increase), and

High consumption: family of four with large garden (27% increase).

Results can be viewed at: Waterrates2010.

To calculate your own costs visit mywaterrates and replace the red values with your own quarterly consumption values (m3 on your water bill). This formula works for all water customers in Greater Vernon.

Here are some hype from 2004 trying to convince taxpayers to support the “borrowing referendum”:

Note the graph showing “slight rate increases” if the referendum passes. Well, it did. What happened to the slight rate increases?

We also were given the list of items and the time-lines for their installation before the referendum as shown below:

Note what we were offered for $35 million and when they would become realities. Since then we have received an additional $25 million in grants and instead of declining, our water rates are skyrocketing. Beware of politicians offering you the stars and the moon! It would have been nicer to tell us the truth in 2002 and again in 2004.

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