Politics & Government

DWP Water Rate Hike Wins Preliminary Approval

Ordinance will be presented again next week for a second vote.

City Council members Mitch Englander, Paul Koretz, Jan Perry and Dennis Zine voted against raising Department of Water and Power (DWP) water rates Wednesday. However, the motion was tentatively approved 9-4.

But since the ordinance required 12 votes to pass, it will be back next week for a second vote.

The DWP was seeking the 3 percent increase to finance federally mandated safety improvements at the city's reservoirs.

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Although water bills tend to be higher in Chatsworth because of summer heat and larger properties, the "average residential customer currently pays $40.30 per month for water. This is less than last year’s average monthly water bill of $44.47 due to the heavy snowpack, which means the utility has had to purchase less water. However, assuming an average water year and final approval of the rate increase, the monthly bill will increase to $45.91 in the next fiscal year," according to The City Maven.

Councilman Mitch Englander, who represents District 12 which includes Chatsworth, tweeted immediately after the vote:

Find out what's happening in Northridge-Chatsworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I voted NO on DWP's water rate hike today. Voters said they want the #ratepayeradvocate to review all rate increases first!"

was confirmed to that position Tuesday, but has not had an opportunity to weigh in on the issue.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here