Water Company to Explain Rate Hikes

Has your water bill increased lately? If you live in Rosemont or the western part of Citrus Heights, the answer is probably yes.

California American Water, which serves residents in those areas and other parts of Sacramento County, will hold an open house Wednesday night to talk with customers about recent rate hikes that have boosted bills by an average of 20 percent.

The new rates went into effect in June, and company officials say they'll pay for replacing water mains and aging wells, along with other infrastructure improvements.

"We are investing $41 million over 2012 and 2013 in our Sacramento-area water systems to improve service, and that is the main reason rates are going up," company spokesperson Evan Jacobs told Patch.

The company in July also began billing customers monthly, rather than every two months.

Customers who want more information about the rate hikes and where the money is going can attend the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Cordova Senior Activity Center, 3480 Routier Road in Sacramento, or call the company's customer service line at 888-237-1333.

Is your water bill too high, or do you think it's appropriate for the service you're getting? Tell us in the comments.