The L.A. City Council tentatively approved a 3 percent increase in water rates, which would affect residential and commercial customers. The DWP said the average water bill increase would be about $1.71 per month.
DWP's chief says the increase is needed to fund nearly $600 million in upgrades to reservoirs to bring them in compliance with federal guidelines. Newly enacted Environmental Protection Agency guidelines require the DWP to cover its reservoirs or quit using them for drinking water.
Next week, the city council will hold a second vote on the increase. The new rates would take effect 30 days after the second vote and /*Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa*/ signing the underlying ordinance.
Earlier reports incorrectly stated that an average customer would see about a $5 increase per month in their bill.
City News Service contributed to this story.
