San Diego property owners will not pay more for water in 2013 even though the city's wholesale water costs will increase 9.6% in January, the mayor announced Wednesday.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the California Water Association raised their rates but the City of San Diego will be able to absorb the increase in costs as it did in 2012.
Mayor Jerry Sanders cited the use of local and cheaper water, adequate rainfall and lower construction costs as how the city was able to cover the additional $15 to $20 million.
He warned residents rates may need to be raised in the future and possibly as early as 2014. However, he said that would be something the incoming mayor will have to decide.
When asked if the savings to citizens was his “swan song” in the final weeks of his time in office, Sanders said, “We’re just happy to be able to have the savings because our Water Department has done a good job of managing their resources."
The savings can’t be used for general fund items like police or fire so the city is using them for water issues Sanders said.
