With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Sewer fees are going up this month. Here's what you need to know
The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant is one of the city facilities that would see upgrades paid for by increases in sewer fees.
(
Frederic J. Brown
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Starting this month, the cost of residential sewer service in L.A. will go up 22% to pay for repairs and upgrades to an aging wastewater system.
What my bill might look like: A typical single-family household is charged $75.40 every two months, but that will jump to $92 under a rate schedule recently approved by the mayor and city council and effective Oct.19.
Why now: The city has not raised sewer fees since 2020 because of the pandemic. The sanitation bureau said that it needs more funds to upgrade and repair L.A.’s 6,700-mile sewer system and the four plants where wastewater is processed.
Support for LAist comes from
How much will the increase will generate: Mayor Karen Bass's office projects nearly $115 million will be raised this upcoming fiscal year.
Financial aid: Income-eligible households can get help with the higher charges through the city’s EZ-SAVE Program. A family of four making about $62,000 would qualify.
What's next: Six more increases are planned through 2028. The typical bill by that time is projected to be $155.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
Best of LAist