West Ranch residents concerned about water and sewage prices going up can take some comfort in knowing that water prices are expected to go down by 20% in the coming fiscal year.

Friendswood residents recently voiced their concerns regarding growing water bills at the Friendswood City Council Meeting. The growing rates aren't as simple as demand being up in a drought year. The total water consumption in Friendswood is down, showing families are working to conserve water. In June 2009 an average of 4.95 million gallons per day was used compared to 6.2 million for the previous June, and the average for July dropped from 7.2 million in 2008 to 4.65 million in 2009. "More people are conserving water... There have been a lot of water leaks this year due to drought" said Public Works Director Kaz Hamidian.

The city is taking steps to ensure that prices will be cut and that water will continue flowing to all families as communities continue to grow. This is not an easy task as the total of Friendswood and Pearland communities is expected to reach a quarter of a million people by 2020.

With the Water and Sewer Bond Issue passed in 2006 and with last year's budget process, rates were adjusted and raised to provide for future debt service and to minimize additional debt requirements. The rates were increased to be able to fund several water and sewage projects in Friendswood including rehabilitating two of the water wells, purchasing necessary surface water from the City of Houston, constructing a one million gallon concrete storage tank, and extending water and sewer lines along FM 2351 to Beamer Road.

The idea was that an increased expense for Friendswood residents in the short term would pay off in the long run as the city is able to meet demands of growth with less reliance on purchasing more expensive water in spot markets. Thankfully upgrades are in sight with a projected ability to provide 11.8 million gallons per day to residents by 2012. This also means that West Ranch community members can look forward to that long term decrease in their bill and still enjoy fresh water daily.

Source: www.hcnonline.com