The rising water rates of a water and waste management utility company have upset Lake Monticello Owners’ Association residents. They are ready to fight against the increase
Rising Water Rates
Aqua Virginia is a water and waste management utility company that serves 36 localities in Virginia. The company has proposed a 29.4% rate increase for the customers in the Fluvanna County community surrounding Lake Monticello. On July 27, 2023, the company filed the proposal with the commonwealth that regulates utility services, the State Corporation Commission.
According to Aqua Virginia, the rising water rates reflect the expenses and income it has had for the Test Year that ended March 31, 2023. The company proposed a 21.08% increase in wastewater rates and a 33.88% increase in water rates. This results in an increase of 29.4%, equivalent to approximately $6.9 million.
Heather Keefer, a spokeswoman at Aqua Virginia, said they considered various expenditures to determine the rising water rates. The increase would cover the cost of infrastructure investment, operation, maintenance, and ongoing capital infrastructure improvements. It also costs the cost of inflation and other uncontrollable factors. However, the rising water rates would not substantially impact the company’s revenue.
Fighting Against the Increase
The residents of Lake Monticello Owners’ Association are upset. Tom Diggs, a homeowner and retired lawyer, conducted 100 hours of research with the association to draft a 27-page letter. The association intends to submit it to the State Corporation Commission to oppose the rising water rates. They claim the increase is unjust and unreasonable as it adds $34 to the average monthly water bill for 3,000 gallons — 89% greater than the average in the state.
According to a 2022 report by Draper Aden Associates, households in Virginia pay $27.91 on average for their monthly water bills. Meanwhile, wastewater bills cost roughly $35 a month. Marieke Henry, a resident of the HOA, said their family of four pays $191 monthly for sewage and water. The increase would make them pay $240 monthly — higher than their monthly electric bill of $200.
The HOA has not filed its letter with the State Corporation Commission. However, it has circulated the letter to various news outlets. During a monthly meeting, the HOA president, Larry Henson, said that various counties have partnered with Fluvanna to go against the rising water rates. The Lake Monticello HOA has also been authorized to spend up to $5,000 to fund the coalition.
The State Corporation Commission received 705 comments on the increase as of January 12. Moreover, 580 of those comments were from homeowners at Lake Monticello. Roughly 31% of their concerns pertained to water quality. Concerned residents may still submit their comments via email, mail, phone, or an online form until April 23.
The HOA met with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner to request support on Friday, February 23.
Complaints Over Water Quality
The Lake Monticello residents make up 28.2% of Aqua Virginia’s customers. All of its residents rely on Aqua Virginia for water and sewage services. However, the HOA has several complaints involving facilities, internal management, low water pressure, and foul smells from wastewater pumping stations. They also complained about poor water quality. These issues have impacted the residents for a long time.
Apart from these, the HOA’s letter notes three sewage leaks in Lake Monticello in the past year and a half. Aqua’s pumping stations failed, causing the first two leaks. Meanwhile, the third leak came from a manhole overflow that closed three beaches and coves for weeks. The lake had many sewage spills the summer prior that resulted in sickness.
The rising water rates will strain the homeowners’ finances. On average, their mortgaged homes in Lake Monticello cost $269,000. Moreover, 8% of the 10,126 residents live below the poverty line.
Upcoming Hearing
A public hearing will happen on April 30. The State Corporation Commissioner’s examiner will gather information from corporations, government officials, ratepayers, and other stakeholders. Afterward, they will recommend to the commissioners who will decide on the case.
