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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.
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Frederic J. Brown
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AFP via Getty Images
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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.
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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.
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