San Simeon residents and businesses will face sharp increases in water and wastewater bills after the San Simeon Community Services District (SSCSD) approved a new rate ordinance on Jan. 7, a decision the district said is necessary to keep the system operating while it undergoes a potential dissolution. Under the ordinance, water rates will rise by 32 percent and wastewater rates by 36 percent, starting Feb. 7. San Luis Obispo County Public Works Division Manager Suzy Watkins, who is serving as the district’s interim general manager, said the increases are meant to provide short-term financial stability. 

Other water management news:

• CBS8 (San Diego): San Diego may need to raise water rates by at least 44% by 2031, analysis show​
• Monterey County Now (Seaside, Calif.): Opinion: It will be a year of big aspirations for solving Salinas Valley water woes
• San Jose Spotlight (Calif.): Opinion: The work behind the water we all rely on