Some Los Osos residents say they already see high water bills but now they could be paying even more.
“Of course. I think most people in Los Osos would be,” said Los Osos resident Mike Morgan on if he'd be opposed to the increase.
The increase would start in 2028 and go through 2030 in the Los Osos service area for Golden State Water Company clients.
The increase is being requested to cover different projects such as the evaluation for a future interconnection to the state water project's coastal branch, drilling new replacement groundwater well, and ongoing pipeline replacements.
“We’re definitely water payers," said Chris Keith, a Los Osos resident. "It’s safe to say it’s become very very expensive.”
If the proposal for Los Osos residents is approved by the California Public Utilities Commission then there would be no changes for residential and commercial customers.
But if it’s not approved then water bills could increase from $116.40 to $148.25 for residential customers using 3,740 gallons a month.
As for commercial customers, they’d go from $331.16 to $409.12 for those using 14,960 gallons a month.
Keith told KSBY News he’s lived in the area for 13 years and is a client of Golden State Water Company.
“I think we’re at about $1,000 a month I would be a little off because Shaline does the bills because they make me cry,” Keith said.
Keith added that he's seen water increases over the years.
“Every $50 or $70 counts now," Keith said. "And we just went through a permit thing and the largest part of our conversation at the city council was are we going to be using more water."
A decision on the rates is expected to be made late next year.
