Water bills are going up in Roseville as a result of the ongoing drought. Starting June 15th, the city will increase the metered portion of customers' bills by 15 percent.
Sean Bigley is with Roseville's Environmental Utilities Department. He says the "drought surcharge" is necessary because water is scarcer and more expensive.
He says that's caused the city to look to alternatives, such as its groundwater wells, which it operated for a few months when the levels in Folsom Lake were very low.
"More pumps, more wells, that obviously increases your expenses," says Bigley. "In addition, there's been a much greater demand for the water efficiency programs and rebates that we offer with the city of Roseville."
Bigley says the water utility's financial reserves can't cover the added expenses. He says the 15 percent increase will be in effect until the drought is over.
The city estimates it will cost the average homeowner about two dollars a month.
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