West Jordan water rates and storm water fees increase May 1

WEST JORDAN — Water rates and storm water fees May 1 to cover increasing costs and bring the city into compliance with state and federal mandates.

The City Council approved a 4 percent hike for both the fixed monthly “availability” charge and also the “commodity” charge per 1,000 gallons. The Council also  voted to cut all conservation programs, saving $100,000 per year.

The rate increase covers the higher wholesale water costs the city expects to pay to the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and costs associated with capital facilities construction (pipes, storage reservoirs, valves, monitoring systems).

Storm water rates will increase from $1.80 to $3.65 per home to pay for more employees and the equipment needed to inspect, clean and repair the existing storm drain system and build the pipes, grates and detention basins required by state and federal EPA water quality mandates.