Court Forces San Diego to Slash Big Water Bills, But Light Users Pay the Price

Low-volume water customers in single-family homes in San Diego will see their monthly bills rise by approximately $6 starting in January. This increase is part of a new billing structure that eliminates the city's tiered pricing system. High-volume users, conversely, are expected to see their monthly costs drop by $20.

The shift follows a legal battle that began in 2015. At that time, the Daniel Patz et al. v. City of San Diego lawsuit challenged the existing system, which charged homeowners different rates based on consumption levels. Under the previous model, residents who used less water, often due to efficient landscaping, paid lower per-unit rates. Those with larger yards or pools paid higher rates for each additional unit of water.

The San Diego City Council approved the modified rate structure on Tuesday by a 6-2 vote. The city had previously contested the court's decision and taken the final ruling to an appeals court without success. San Diego is now responsible for a $40 million settlement related to the case.

City officials stated that while they disagreed with the outcome, they are legally required to implement a structure the court deems valid. A staff member presenting the agenda item to council members noted that the city does not agree with the decision in the Patz case but must comply with the legal mandate.

Council member Sean Elo-Rivera, who represents district 9, expressed frustration during the meeting. He described the change as a penalty for conserving water, stating that it makes him angry because the imposed structure penalizes the city and its residents for doing more to save water.

The new structure will take effect in January alongside a separate, previously approved water rate increase. Residents have offered mixed reactions to the change, particularly given the region's frequent water shortages and drought conditions. One resident, Isabel Jordan, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. She initially believed all customers should pay the same rate but later understood the incentive behind subsidizing more efficient water consumers.

A city representative noted that low-use customers will experience the most substantial monthly price changes. The official acknowledged that even a modest increase could impact households that have actively worked to reduce their water consumption.