New Rates Go Into Effect for California American Water Customers

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Monterey Peninsula residents will receive notification from California American Water this week of new water rates to be implemented this month.  Customers will receive letters demonstrating the impact of new conservation rates approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. The rates are designed to reward those who save water and discourage water waste by charging steep price increases to those who excessively use water.

"We've had conservation rates in Monterey since the 1970s," said General Manager Craig Anthony. "But these new rates, supported by the California Public Utilities Commission, will significantly impact large users. The unique restrictions on our local water supply require us to do everything we can to encourage wise water use."

Every California American Water customer on the Monterey Peninsula is assigned an individual water allotment. For residential customers, the allotment is based on the number of residents and the size of the customers' property. For residential customers, notification letters will include a summary of allotment information on file for each customer, presenting an important opportunity for residents to verify their allotment calculation is correct. Falsification of survey information is prohibited by Monterey Peninsula Water Management District rules.

"Our customers in Monterey use less water on average than anywhere else in the state," said Anthony. "But we have a minority of customers that can do more to save water. The new rates will send a strong signal to these customers that water conservation is critical on the Monterey Peninsula."

While the average customer - that consumes 70 gallons per day, as compared to a statewide average of nearly 200 – will see little to no change in their bills, large users could experience a doubling, or even tripling of water bills.

The company offers many resources, in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, to help residents and businesses save water. Rebates are available for installation of water-saving appliances, such as high-efficiency toilets, dishwashers and washing machines. Commercial customers are also eligible for rebates on appliances, including waterless urinals, commercial washing machines and on-demand water heaters.

In addition, customers may schedule free Water Wise House Calls, in which a certified conservation expert will visit a residence, check for leaks, provide instruction on how to read a water meter and create a personalized watering schedule for customers' landscaping. Similar water audits are available for commercial customers. To schedule a house call, contact the California American Water conservation office at (831) 646-3205. More information is available at www.montereywaterinfo.org.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people.  Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 California and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE California American Water