EVMWD Delays Rate Increase For Customers Amid Pandemic

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District customers are getting a bit of a reprieve. A rate increase that was scheduled to take effect January 1 has been pushed back to April 1, according to the agency.

The delay, the agency said, is to assist customers financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With reduced economic activity and increased unemployment statewide, many families are struggling to make ends meet, the agency said.

“We know this is an incredibly difficult time for our community and our state. At EVMWD, we are committed to helping local residents financially by delaying this rate increase and using every possible means to reduce costs at the District. Providing affordable, reliable water 24/7 is our highest priority now and always,” said Andy Morris, president of EVMWD’s board of directors.

The EVMWD board voted 5-0 on November 24 to further delay the scheduled rate increase. The previously approved increase was intended to cover the rising costs of imported water, energy, treatment, preventative maintenance, and capital improvement projects, according to the agency.

The decreased revenue resulting from the rate increase deferral will be offset by a combination of reduced operating expenditures and use of existing reserve balances, according to the agency.

Though the rate increase has been deferred and shutoffs are temporarily suspended, the EVMWD is still billing for water service. Special payment arrangements and financial assistance, including the Rate Assistance for Residents of Elsinore Valley (RARE) program, are available to help people who are facing financial hardship. EVMWD customer service representatives can be reached at 951-674-3146 to discuss assistance plans.