This letter to Water/Sewer Customers of Santa Ana outlines the reasons for a new sewer charge, but quite improperly alleges that ownership of sewer laterals has always been the responsibility of residents. Laterals have ALWAYS been a City responsibility.
| MAYOR
Miguel A. Pulido MAYOR PROTEM Patricia A. McGuigan COUNCIL MEMBERS Claudia C. Alvarez Lisa Bist Alberta D. Christy Brett Franklin Jose Solorio |
CITY
MANAGER David N. Ream CITY ATTORNEY Joseph W. Fletcher CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Patricia E. Healy |
CITY
OF SANTA ANA
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702
RE:
NEW SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
Dear
Water/Sewer Customer:
On
September 17, 200 1, the Santa Ana City Council adopted a new sewer rate
structure for all City of Santa Ana's domestic water/sewer customers. The new
sewer service charge will be effective November 1, 2001 and will be applied to
your metered water consumption at a rate of $0.12 per water billing unit. The
sewer charge will be listed on a separate line on your bill.
The
City has an aging sewer system with some mains and laterals dating back to the
early 1900's. During the past 75 plus years, deferred maintenance, grease build
up and wear have severely stressed the sewer system. As a result, the City
developed a sewer service charge to begin rehabilitation and replacement of the
deteriorated and undersized sewer system. This sewer
service charge will also enable the City to assume responsibility for replacing
and/or repairing sewer laterals from the mainline to the property line (to the
back of the sidewalk), which is currently the responsibility of the individual
property owner.
For
a typical residential customer that averages 20 water units per month, the sewer
charge will be $2.40 per month (20 units times $0.12). In the event you use
additional water units, the sewer charge will increase. Because it is based on
the amount of water used, the service charge provides you an opportunity to
control your sewer bill.
If
you have a problem with your sewer lateral, you should work with your plumber to
address the problem. If the portion of your sewer line between the back of the
sidewalk and the middle of the street is damaged or in need or replacement, call
the Public Works Agency's Corporate Yard at (714) 647-3380.