Recent court rulings on tiered water rates are creating confusion and uncertainty at water agencies across California — including in San Diego, where one of the rulings will mean rate hikes for most single-family homes. The confusion stems from conflicting rulings by separate California appellate courts last year on tiered rates, which aim to reward conservation by charging heavy water users more per gallon than people who use less. San Diego’s use of tiered rates was ruled unconstitutional last April by the Fourth District Court of Appeal, forcing the city to abandon tiers and then hike rates by roughly $6 a month for about 150,000 single-family homes. But tiered rates in Los Angeles were vindicated in December by the Second District Court of Appeal.

Other water rate news:

• The Plumas Sun (Quincy, Calif.): Chester water, wastewater rates to increase up to 42%​