Monday February 19 08:15 AM EST Sewer rates spike likely in East Bay By Andy Jokelson , TIMES STAFF WRITER

Thousands of East Bay households could face increased sewer service charges as a result of soaring energy costs confronting agencies that collect and treat wastewater.

From Livermore to Dublin, the San Ramon Valley to Central Costa County to the cities along the East Bay's shoreline, the state's energy crisis has made higher rates likely.

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District administrators say they might recommend a $25 increase in its $200 annual sewer service charge to bring in an additional $3.6 million per year to help pay energy expenses in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The West County Wastewater District, which has a $109 annual sewer service charge, says its energy costs could increase 5 to 20 percent in the 2001-02 fiscal year.

"It's likely that we're going to have to increase our rates, primarily because of energy cost increases," said Jack Foley, manager of the West Contra Costa agency.

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/krcontracosta/20010219/lo/sewer_rates_spike_likely_in_east_bay_1.html

-- Tess (webwoman@iamit.com), February 19, 2001