Some La Hondans could see a more than 50 percent increase in their water bill in the next few years if a rate hike to County Service Area 7 is approved at the May 4 San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting.
County-run CSA 7, which provides water for around 70 La Honda residents, has been operating in the red, according to Public Works Director Jim Porter, who presented the rate increases at a March 9 board meeting.
Porter said because of its geography and old infrastructure, CSA 7 is expensive to operate and maintain. It relies on water from Alpine Creek, which is vulnerable to silt conditions during storms and on a water treatment plant thatâs more than 25 years old and uses century-old pipes in remote areas. Itâs currently operating at around an $8,000 annual deficit. But making up the difference would mean increasing localsâ water rates significantly.