Public workshop on proposed STPUD rate increases

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room at 1275 Meadow Crest Drive to discuss proposed rate increases.

Most of South Lake Tahoe’s water and sewer system was built in the 1950s and 1960s. Much of this infrastructure needs to be upgraded, repaired or replaced.
The District is considering raising water and sewer rates to provide revenue to replace undersized pipes, install new fire hydrants, and upgrade pumping and storage facilities to ensure adequate water for firefighting. More than 10% of the District’s water system does not have adequate water capacity to fight a major fire. Replacing undersized, aging and sometimes leaking water pipes increases water supply and pressure to meet firefighting needs. These funds would also be used to upgrade, repair and replace aging water and sewer pipes to prevent costly emergencies and spills and extend its life.

A five-year series of changes to water and sewer rates were developed to improve the water, sewer and recycled water systems, and lower long-term costs. A rate increase of up to 5% per year is being considered for sewer and up to 6% per year for water. For a typical residential customer, this would result in an approximate increase of $7.00 per quarter for sewer and $11.00-$13.00 per quarter for water. The District’s rates are currently the lowest in the region and are expected to stay at or near the lowest, even after the proposed increases.

To find out more about the additional investments needed to extend the life of the water, wastewater, and recycled water systems, attend the Thursday, April 18 meeting or visit www.stpud.us/improvements.