Moving toward equitable water rates in Dover

Progress is being made toward sorting out the water rate issues in Dover. In response to concerns identified in a July 2013 analysis of water rates (Dover must develop equitable water rate plan, Bill Strand, July 23, 2013), Dover City Council formed a work group to help sort out the issues. At the Oct. 9, 2013, council meeting, Councilwoman Shaha announced some preliminary results from this work group’s efforts

The Water Work Group has identified more than 40 water accounts that are not being charged each month. Including these accounts in the 2013-2014 budget allowed the Dover City Council to approve a budget that is projected to run with a revenue surplus for the first time in years.

The preliminary water rate report from June indicated that during the Fiscal Year 2012/2013, more than 3.5 million gallons of water that had been produced by the city of Dover did not reach the consumer (i.e. the residents and businesses of Dover). Analysis of data for the last 12 months indicates that while water production has increased 7 percent, the water consumption has decreased by 11 percent. This means that the water loss has increased from 3.5 million gallons to more than 4.2 million gallons. As yet, the cause for this water loss has not been identified by the city of Dover.

The Water Work Group has done remarkable work to begin to clarify the issues and continues its efforts to improve the Dover city water system. One may ask the question — what should be done with the additional City revenue that is potentially generated by the Water Work Group’s investigation? I offer the following recommendations to consider:

1. Monthly rates should be reduced: Dover has one of the highest combined water and sewer rates in the state of Idaho. With the additional monthly revenue from the new accounts that have been identified, it may be possible that the last four years’ rate increases could be partially or fully rescinded.

2) Put some money aside: Dover’s capital reserve fund (used for maintenance of the water and sewer infrastructure) is woefully underfunded. Any new hook-up fees could be directed to the capital reserve fund.

3) Pay-for-use: The average water usage for each household in Dover is less than 4,000 gallons per month. Yet Dover’s water rate structure is such that all residents pay for 7,000 gallons each and every month whether they use that amount or not. Why not pay a low base amount and then pay for actual water usage? During winter months, water usage is low and residents would pay less. In the summer months, rates would increase. But by using the additional revenue that is generated by the Water Work Group, residents in all neighborhoods of Dover (original Dover, Canoe Cove, Rocky Point, Dover Bay, etc. …) could see significant savings.

The goal is to develop a fair and equitable water and sewer rate system for the city of Dover. Any questions regarding the Water Work Group can be directed to Dover Councilwoman Annie Shaha, ashaha@dovercityhall.com; or to Bill Strand, DoverHarpist@gmail.com.

BILL STRAND

Dover