Glendale utility's proposal would increase water rates by 50%; plan sparks outcry from residents

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Residents packed a Glendale City Council meeting on Tuesday night to express concern over a Glendale Water and Power proposal that would increase water rates by 50% to as much as 145%.

If approved, the rate hike would begin in January.

"A 50 to 145 percent increase is absolutely outrageous," said one woman who address the councilmembers during the public comment section of the meeting.

The utility is seeking the rate increase to cover rising expenses and help pay for a multimillion-dollar project to update the city's aging water infrastructure. Portions of the system are more than 100 years old.

A recent major water main break on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood and other similar incidents in the Los Angeles area have focused attention on the need to replace aging pipelines and reduce the risk of emergency repairs.

Glendale relies on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for as much as 70% percent of its water supply. The water district's rates have increased, and GWP says it needs to raise customer rates to help cover operating expenses.

"What this will do is decimate people on a fixed income," said Glendale resident Beth Brooks, "decimate them after spending summers in (triple-digit) temperatures, where their bills tripled and doubled."

Bill impacts will vary, with Glendale residents who live at higher elevations paying more for their water.

Community residents have started a petition effort, hoping to get enough signatures to prevent the City Council from approving the proposed rate increases.

With prices soaring for everything from gasoline to groceries, residents are worried.

"We can't pay -- it's that simple," one man said while addressing the City Council at Tuesday's meeting. "Water is a human right. Please -- I can't pay you."