Altadena residents push back against $3,000 water assessment

ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Nearly 200 Altadena residents gathered on Thursday to voice their concerns on a proposed $3,000 assessment from their water provider, the Las Flores Water Company, as the community continues to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire.

Anger and frustration dominated the meeting as homeowners learned the private water company planned to levy the fee to keep service operating.

"I think we're going to get hosed again," said Altadena resident Michael Barlett. "We've already suffered so much and we're getting suffered again. This time, it's financially, but just to have an extra $3,000 paid and assessed ... it's too much to keep a company that's not viable, viable."

Altadena resident Shawna Dawson Beer called it "a Band-Aid on a sinking ship."

The Las Flores Water Company is one of three private entities serving Altadena and was hit hardest by the wildfire. Two of its reservoirs and 75% of the homes within its service area burned. The company was underinsured and now faces a significant financial shortfall.

Las Flores said it must assess each homeowner $3,000 to ensure they have water.

"It's a Band-Aid for now, but again, looking to others ... public funding, that we can," said Las Flores Board President John Bednarski. "The lawsuit that we're a part of right now possibly that will reap some benefits and just go from there."

Some residents questioned how the fee would burden families who already lost so much.

"My concern is the $3,000. How are low-income people going to pay this?" asked resident Vallitta Sharpe.

Residents who are shareholders in the private company said their hands are tied - they need the water and there's no other immediate options.

Las Flores officials said they are exploring a merger with at least one of Altadena's other water companies. Some residents argued that consolidation with another water provider may be the only realistic path forward

"We do not have a viable water system here without that, not for another disaster, not for the increased density that is coming to our community," said Beer.

The company said the $3,000 charge will not be collected until homeowners are able to return and live on their properties. However, the assessment could take effect as early as February or March for customers already back in the area.