New water rates for Signal Hill went into effect on Jan. 1, bringing increases to water meter rates and water usage rates.
Signal Hill City Council sets rates for water delivered through the city’s distribution system, according to the city’s municipal code. The water rates and water meter rates have been steadily increasing since 2019, and 2024 is the final year with pre-approved rate increases on the books.
The charges differ for residential single-family, residential multifamily, commercial, industrial, institutional, and irrigation uses. Water usage rates have increased by roughly 71% since 2019.
Water usage charges are estimated by a “billing unit,” of 100 cubic feet. Water usage rate increases for residential single and multi-family homes as well as commercial, industrial and institutional are as follows:
- 0 to 15 units cost increased from $4.07 to $4.38
- 16 units or more increased in cost from $6.50 to $6.99
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family uses about 320 gallons of water a day, amounting to 42 cubic feet daily.
Commercial, industrial and institutional water usage rates for entities using 150 units or more will see costs increase from $9.58 to $10.29.
Irrigation water rates, such as from sprinklers to water one’s lawn, will see increases as followed:
- 0-15 units cost increased from $4.07 to $4.38
- 16 units or more increased from $6.20 to $6.66
Fixed meter monthly charges will see increases based on meter size as followed:
- ⅝ inches increased from $23.96 to $25.76
- ¾ inches increased from $23.96 to $25.76
- 1-inch meter increased from $61.68 to $66.30
- 1 and ½ inch meter increased from $135.96 to $146.15
- 2-inch meter increased from $235.58 to $253.25
- 3 inches to 9 inch meters increased from $527.82 to $567.40
- 10-inch meters and larger increased from $425.13 to $457.02
Most residential homes’ water meter sizes are under 1 inch.
Signal Hill residents can check if they qualify for the Low Income Water Discount on cityofsignalhill.org/Water.
