AUSTIN — The LCRA Board of Directors approved water and wastewater rates for customers in the West Travis County Regional Water and Wastewater System at its August meeting (Aug. 22) on Wednesday.

The new rates are based on a cost-of-service study and are designed to recover the cost of providing service to more than 4,100 customers in the system. LCRA completed an outside review of the Water and Wastewater Utility and implemented cost-saving measures before considering rate increases.

The approved water rate for the typical residential customer in the Bee Cave area is a $30 increase assuming usage of 10,000 gallons per month. The approved wastewater rate for the typical residential customer is a $52 increase assuming usage of 10,000 gallons per month. The increases will be phased in over three years and will be effective beginning Oct. 1, 2007.

LCRA notified customers of the proposed rate increase, held a customer meeting, requested customer feedback and responded to customer questions. LCRA responded to customer comments by revising the rate proposal. Under the revised proposal, the rate increase will be phased in over three years rather than two years.

A recent analysis of 12 similar water and wastewater systems shows that LCRA’s approved rates are comparable with small systems that provide similar service.

The West Travis County Regional Water System serves more than 4,100 customers in western Travis County and northern Hays County. The service area includes the City of Bee Cave, High Pointe and Sunset Canyon subdivisions near Dripping Springs, Hamilton Pool Road area and an area formerly served by the Hill Country Water Supply Corporation.

The West Travis County Wastewater System serves customers in the City of Bee Cave and Lake Pointe and Spanish Oaks subdivisions.