A new report predicts Los Angeles residents will see annual water rates increase anywhere from $86 to $393, at peak, if the state proceeds with plans to build twin tunnels beneath the Delta.
In sum, over 40 years, customers would pay $2,003 to $9,182 above and beyond what they’re paying now.
The take-home conclusion: “The future cost of Metropolitan (Water District) water with the tunnels does not compare favorably with the costs of local water supply options.”
Caveats: The study assumes a project cost of $21 billion (low end) or $47 billion (high end). That’s higher than the “official” $14 billion estimate.
Also, the upper-end numbers are based on the idea that federal Central Valley Project water users might back out of paying their share of the project. So far, at least, the feds are still on board.
The report was commissioned by the environmental group Food & Water Watch, which opposes the tunnel project.
