On Oct. 6, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved a notice of intent to raise water fees.
The water utility department asked the council for a 4.1 percent rate increase for residential customers. The changes would apply to monthly groundwater preservation fees. Residential customers pay 75 cents in groundwater preservation fees per 1,000 gallons of water used.
The change would mean most residential customers would pay an additional $1.60 per month, according to a water utility analysis.
The increase is based on water consumption for the average Oro Valley household, about 8,000 gallons per month. Base rates would remain unchanged under the proposal.
Also proposed is a $5 increase to the service establishment fee. The change would bring the fee to $35 to set up water service for residential customers.
The council plans to discuss the issue at public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 17. If the council approves the changes, the adjusted charges would take effect on Dec. 18.
