Tucson Water proposes increased water rates for some customers

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – The city of Tucson held a town hall over proposed water price changes that could cause some customers’ bills to skyrocket 50 percent. It’s a topic that Tucson Water brings to hot water with its customers.

The Tucson Mayor and City Council are considering eight options to increase water prices for Tucson Water customers in the non-incorporated area. These options range from a 10% increase up to 50%. Tucson has never charged a different tariff for customers outside of its jurisdiction or registered area, but city officials say it does in most major cities.

“With the exception of the city of Peoria, all cities in Arizona charge a differential tariff for customers outside of their jurisdiction or their administrative area. And this rate can be up to 50 percent, ”said Tim Thomure, deputy city manager on time.

But the idea of ​​spending more money on the same amount of water has heated up among customers.

“People in unincorporated areas are angry right now and you will face a lot of opposition,” said Sherrylyn Y., a Tucson Water customer.

James McAdam, the City Hall moderator, tried to keep the meeting civilized: “Some profanity appears in the chat, please don’t do that. Just say if you are profane or disrespectful we will remove you from the meeting.”

Several also pointed to the timing of the proposed water price changes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think the timing is really bad after getting out of a pandemic. You know, I think we need a breath of fresh air and an increase in water prices is not the fresh air, ”said Janet Thuringer, a Tucson Water customer.

Now some partnerships customers are considering other options.

“If you wanted to part with the water in Tucson and do yourself good, there is a way you can do it in the unincorporated areas,” Thomure said. He estimates that a successful domestic well would cost customers around $ 35,000.

A public hearing will be held during the Tucson City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 8th.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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