Photo Courtesy city of Cedar Park
Photo Courtesy city of Cedar ParkThe drought has taken enough of a toll on the area to force Cedar Park to enact its strongest watering restrictions ever while simultaneously considering an increase in water rates until conditions improve.
Cedar Park will enter Stage 3 watering restrictions starting Aug. 1, and by mid- to late August the city could increase water rates by approximately 9 percent to help offset the anticipated loss in utility revenue from the reduction in overall water usage.
The restrictions include limiting residents to watering once per week rather than twice, while water bills are expected to increase by an average of $3.80 per month per customer. The rate increase requires public hearings July 25 and Aug. 8 before it becomes official, said Sam Roberts, Cedar Park assistant city manager.
The rate increase would be temporary but is necessary to make up an estimated $1.58 million net shortfall in water utility revenue, Roberts said during the July 11 City Council meeting.
