The more you use, the more you'll pay.
That's the policy the City of Round Rock will soon employ when it comes to water rates. Homeowners aren't particularly happy.
"Gas prices are going up, food prices are going up, and now you're telling me my water bill is going up? I mean what's not going up?" Round Rock homeowner Beth Brown said.
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Rate increase
The increase affects Round Rock residents.
 
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As an avid gardener and mother of three, she's one of those who will likely be hit the hardest by the city's new pay-for-what-you-use policy on water during the summer months.
"My bill right now is probably average of about $150 or so a month, already," Brown said.
Currently, everyone in Round Rock pays the same rate for water no matter how much they use ($2.13 per thousand gallons). But, if the ordinance passes, the highest users will pay more during summer months.
Those who keep their monthly usage below 10,000 gallons will not see a change. Those who use between 10,000-15,000 gallons a month will see a six percent increase on their bill, which amounts to about $2.66 more.
And households that use more than 15,000 gallons a month will pay 24 percent more, adding at least $18.70 to their monthly bill.
"We're trying to reduce those months in the summer when we use the greatest amounts of water," Round Rock Utilities Director Michael Thane said.
The rate hike would last from May through September in the future, but this year it won't take effect until July. After September, the rates will go back to the normal base rate of $2.13 per thousand gallons.
Thane said the city's not trying to generate revenue, but they encourage residents to save water.
"It's the right thing to do. It's promoting conservation. As Round Rock continues to grow, water demands are going to increase and it's important to conserve this precious natural resource," Thane said.
The city said any revenue gained will be set aside for future water-related expenses.
The Round Rock City Council will have a public hearing before the second reading of the ordinance at their regular city council meeting. That's held at 7 p.m. Thursday, at Round Rock City Hall.
