LIHU‘E — Proposed changes in rates for amounts of water used by households on a bimonthly basis will be discussed at public meetings across the island, a county Department of Water press release states. Known as “standard residential block thresholds,”
LIHU‘E — Proposed changes in rates for amounts of water used by households on a bimonthly basis will be discussed at public meetings across the island, a county Department of Water press release states.
Known as “standard residential block thresholds,” the current rate structure is $3.20 per every 1,000 gallons used on a bimonthly basis, up to 20,000 gallons.
For 20,001 gallons and above, the rate moves to $4 per 1,000 gallons used bimonthly.
The change would mean that same $3.20 fee applies up to 14,000 gallons, and $4 per 1,000 gallons used for 14,001 gallons to 32,000 gallons.
The first public meeting was Tuesday night at the Kapa‘a Elementary School cafeteria, with the second today at 7 p.m. at the Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria, and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Kalaheo Elementary School cafeteria.
The county Board of Water Supply public hearing on the proposed change is Thursday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. at the DOW headquarters building in Lihu‘e, at 4398 Pua Loke St.
Information regarding the current block thresholds can be found at www.kauaiwater.org under Rules and Regulations, Part IV, Fixing Rates for the Furnishing of Water Service.
“We’re considering shifting the block thresholds downward and adding a fourth block,” said David Craddick, DOW manager and chief engineer.
Those who use less than 14,000 gallons of water on a bi-monthly basis would not be affected, and would continue to pay $3.20 per 1,000 gallons.
Those who consume more than 14,000 gallons but less than 32,000 gallons per billing period would be charged $4 per 1,000 gallons for the amount of water used between 14,000 and 32,000 gallons.
Those who use more than 32,000 gallons but less than 35,000 per billing cycle would be charged $6 per 1,000 gallons for all water from 32,001 gallons to 35,000 gallons.
Those who use more than 35,000 gallons per billing period would be charged $6.25 per 1,000 gallons for all use from 35,001 gallons and beyond.
“We’re hoping that our residents will monitor their water usage and increase their water-conservation efforts,” Craddick said.
“This would keep their water consumption within the lowest block threshold, while preserving this precious resource for the future.”
Although many Kaua‘i residents have been making simple adjustments in their lifestyles to include water-conservation measures, such as not running water continuously while washing a car, there are still a lot of other ways that water consumption can be reduced, said Craddick.
Kaua‘i’s average residential monthly water usage is about 10,000 gallons, which is above the national norm of 7,500 gallons per month for homes without water-saving devices, and 6,720 gallons for homes that utilize water-saving devices.
The proposed changes in the block thresholds are part of Water Plan 2020, a long-range plan that identifies the improvements needed in order for DOW to continue to provide safe, affordable and reliable water service in a sustainable and financially secure manner, the press release states.
For water-conservation tips or more information, log on to the DOW Web site, or call 245-5455 weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
