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Phoenix Water Fee Hike07-10-08 | News

Phoenix Water Fee Hike

Phoenix boosted its fees for water hookups of all kinds at a recent city council meeting. Fees for single homes will be lower than fees for large apartment buildings, and fees in some parts of town will be less than in others. Korto Cavitation Services

Phoenix has boosted its fees for all water hookups for the first time since 1988, when the fee was imposed.

The new fees vary based on the size of the water meter and what part of town it?EUR??,,????'???s in.

Ray Quay, assistant director of the Water Services Department, said the income will enable the city to plan for new sources of water as a 14-year dry trend continues.

The city will have to develop new water resources within 10 years if growth continues in the city.

The city now uses surface water for almost all its needs. The water comes from the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project canal and the lakes along the Salt River.

The best way to avoid drastic water-conservation measures in the future is to practice low-water use techniques now.

That?EUR??,,????'???s the advice of Phoenix?EUR??,,????'???s water planners, who say the city has plenty of water now, but population and demand will continue growing.

?EUR??,,????'??Our goal is to minimize the impact of a severe shortage,?EUR??,,????'?? said Ray Quay, assistant director of water services for the city.

Even with a high level of population growth, officials say the city can meet water demand simply by developing supplies it currently owns but does not use ?EUR??,,????'??? mostly groundwater in McMullen Valley, west of Phoenix. In addition, reclaimed water will be utilized better, the city will seek additional Colorado River water, and exchange agreements will also be developed with other water users.