San Andreas, CA — After months of community meetings, the Calaveras County Water District Board of Directors Wednesday passed a five-year rate increase.

According to district documents, the district hasn´t increased it rates since 2001 and is doing so now to cover operating expenses.

Standard residential water customers will see their rates go from the current $22 per month to $25.50 in July. Rates will be annually raised until 2011 when they will hit $39.50.

Along with the increase in the base rate, customers will be allowed to receive more water every month. Allowable usage will go up from 75 gallons to 125 gallons per day.

Wastewater customers will see an increase in rates from $45 to $49.50 in July then up to $67.50 by 2011.

The district has more than 12,500 water customers and 4,600 wastewater customers.

Water customers also now have an incentive to conserve water. A tiered overage charge was included in the increase, meaning if customers go over their allowable water allowance they will be charged a tiered rate.

The new rates will take effect July 1.

Written by Vanessa Turner.