Colleyville City Council approved new increased rates for treated water and wastewater treatment services provided the Trinity River Authority during its Dec. 18 meeting. The new rates will appear in customers’ January bills to reflect water usage in December, according to meeting documents. Each water bill contains a base rate charge, which provides the city of Colleyville the necessary revenue to cover operating costs, according to meeting documents. Total base rate charges for fiscal year 2018-19 range from $26.55-$168.50, depending largely on water meter size. Bills also include a volumetric rate used to pay the TRA for provided water services. This component of the bill—unlike the base rate—depends on usage and is not a fixed rate. The volumetric rate is based on the TRA’s operating budget, its debt service requirements and the amount of water and wastewater treated by the TRA, according to meeting documents. Colleyville calculates these rates to only bring in what is anticipated to be paid to the TRA. The new volumetric rate charged for treated water is $4.14 per thousand gallons, a 28 cent increase from the previous rate of $3.86 per thousand gallons. The new volumetric rate for treating wastewater is $3.11 per thousand gallons, a 30 cent increase from the previous rate of $2.81 per thousand gallons. Furthermore, estimated projections indicate volumetric rates may see additional increases over the next five years, according to meeting documents. Mayor Richard Newton said the volumetric rate is beyond the city’s control. “We want people to know: Your bill’s going to go up—not through the city,” Newton said. “We’re obligated to pay TRA for the water they provide us, and there’s not a whole lot we can do [about] that.” The reason why the city cannot choose another provider is because it has a long-standing contract with TRA, Council Member Bobby Lindamood said. Newton also added that even so, there are limited options of providers for water and treatment services. “The reality of it is TRA does a good job providing us water and wastewater [treatment services],” he said. City Council approved the new rates with a 6-0 vote. Council Member Kathy Wheat was absent. The city also provided tips to conserve water: • Turn off irrigation systems during the winter months • Use the garbage disposal sparingly • Match water level to size of laundry load when washing clothes • Choose energy-efficient washing machines • Use pool covers to prevent water loss through evaporation and to keep pools clean • Monitor bills for abnormally high usage, which may indicate leaks