Council Approves Falls Church Water Rate Increase

The City of Falls Church City Council unanimously voted Monday night to increase water rates effective Oct. 1.

Council in July, opting to instead vote on it Sept. 12. City Manager Wyatt Shields said the increase will help pay to buy water from the Washington Aqueduct and pay for electric for pumping stations, labor costs and asphalt.

All of which have gone up in cost, Shields said.

“The revenue from the increase is going to operating cost and capital,” Shields said. “We’re also planning for the future. This will allow us to set up debt services for capital and reserve funds.”

The increase affects commodity rates, peak charges and service charges starting Oct. 1. The Public Utilities Commission met in June and reviewed a report from a consultant that recommended the city increase water rates. The commission approved the consultant’s report 3-0. Council heard public comment at the July 11 meeting and voted to defer a vote on the issue until last night’s council meeting. Falls Church Water serves customers in Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church.

According to a chart from the city, the base use of 6,000 gallons of water costs a customer $25.65 a month. With the rate increase, the rate jumps to $27.69, an increase of $2.04.

Fairfax County resident and Falls Church Water customer Ryan Scarborough attended Monday’s meeting. He said he was disappointed that council approved the rate increase. He said it feels like he has to pay a second time for something he has already paid for once.

“I have a hard time swallowing it,” Scarborough said. “Suddenly the income they have isn’t enough to cover their needs.”