You are invited to an informational meeting about the proposed new rate structure on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 620 Foster City Blvd. This meeting will provide you with information on the water supply limits we have from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, conservation initiatives we are undertaking, information about the proposed water rate structure, and information on expanded rebate programs that are being considered. This is your opportunity to give us your input on the programs that are being considered to ensure we have the future water supplies we need as a community to thrive.

Water is one of our most precious resources. Despite the rains we have seen this Winter, the State continues to face water shortages that impact those of us that live here on the San Francisco Peninsula. With the SFPUC as its sole source of water, the District must manage its water consumption based upon a water supply assurance agreement with the SFPUC to provide up to 5.9 million gallons of water per day on average in a given year. Conservation efforts are underway at the local, regional and state level to ensure that there is sufficient water in the region today and for the future.

The Estero Municipal Improvement District, from whom you purchase your water, is implementing a three-pronged approach to address sustainable water use over the next 10 years. Through conservation education, a conservation-based water rate model, and expanded rebate programs, we hope to implement the changes necessary for the District to live within its means for water consumption now and in the future.

The District is considering the implementation of a conservation-based water rate model starting July 2010 that will significantly change the way we calculate the cost for water usage in your home. We would like your input as we craft this model for the Board’s consideration at its March 29, 2010 study session.

If you cannot attend the meeting, you may watch it on Foster City Television on AT&T UVerse channel 99, Comcast channel 27, or on the web at www.fostercity.tv.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Toler, Finance Director, by e-mail at UtilityRates@fostercity.org, or by phone at 650-286-3200.

#  #  #

About the Estero Municipal Improvement District
The District provides water and wastewater services to all of Foster City, and water services to the areas of San Mateo in the 94404 zip code. The District purchases treated water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) through its Hetch Hetchy Water System. The District maintains the water infrastructure associated with its water delivery to the residents and businesses in its service area, including the four (4) tanks used to provide an emergency supply of water in the event of a system outage. The District establishes water and wastewater rates using a 10-year forecasting model based upon the costs associated with purchasing water from the SFPUC, maintaining the various water infrastructure components, including any capital improvement programs, and any administrative costs associated with providing services to the community. The District handles all meter reading and utility billing functions on behalf of its customers.