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will include usage-based fees for both Zone 7 and the City, in addition to fixed meter <br /> fees for both agencies. Materials produced by the City note that when looking at <br /> individual components of the proposed rates, some line-item changes are significant,- <br /> however, <br /> ignificant;however, focusing on only specific/individual components of the proposed rate increase <br /> gives an incomplete view and understanding of the overall rate adjustment that was <br /> recommended in the water rate study. For example, the current Pleasanton distribution <br /> rate (listed as "Pleasanton Water Var Charge" on line 2 of current utility bills) does not <br /> sufficiently cover the cost of delivering water to the 22,000 customers and maintaining <br /> the distribution system. While this rate is increasing, it is due to shifting costs from fixed <br /> meter charges (listed as "Pleasanton Fixed Water" Charge on line 1 of current utility <br /> bills) which are decreasing. <br /> Additionally, there were comments noting the increase would be more than $33 for a <br /> billing cycle. Materials produced by the City note that the $33.17 increase for a bi- <br /> monthly bill is based on an average residential customer that uses 20 CcF; however, <br /> the increase amount will vary based on actual water usage. As shown in the charts <br /> above (Figure 4), the more water a single-family residential customer uses the higher <br /> the bill will be, based on the usage-based tiers for single-family residents. <br /> To assist the ratepayers in understanding the proposed changes, the City issued a <br /> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that further addresses inquiries, which is provided <br /> as Attachment 5. <br /> NEXT STEPS <br /> Concurrent with this first phase of the rate study the City is working on several near- <br /> and long-term water program activities to address PFAS and ensure the state of good <br /> repair of the water distribution system in the long term: <br /> 1. Water Supply Alternatives Project: In September 2020, the City began <br /> development of the PFAS Treatment and Wells Rehabilitation Project to <br /> address PFAS contamination and extend the life of the existing groundwater <br /> supply. This project would rehabilitate/replace existing well facilities and <br /> construct a Centralized Treatment Facility for disinfection and PFAS <br /> treatment of groundwater before distribution. Given project costs and other <br /> considerations, in September 2022, the City Council authorized staff to <br /> perform a Water Supply Alternatives Study and put the PFAS Treatment and <br /> Wells Rehabilitation Project on hold. The selection of the preferred project <br /> will be discussed with the City Council on September 19, 2023 and <br /> presented formally to the Council on October 17, 2023. <br /> 2. Water System Management Plan: Staff recently completed a high-level <br /> assessment of the water program utilizing the EPA's Effective Utility <br /> Management Guidance document. Staff intends to update the water program <br /> to address the findings and is currently developing a Water System <br /> Management Plan (WSMP) to manage the water program moving forward. <br /> Page 18 of 19 <br />