Usage-based water rate OK’d for Basin

The usage-based water rates that will replace flat rates in Basin on June 1 will mean unchanged monthly bills for residential customers and reduced bills for business customers — so long as their usage does not exceed 10,000 gallons a month.

Beyond that amount, an additional variable rate will apply.

The new rates will allow the district to issue approximately $196,000 in bonds, payable over 20 years at 2.5%, to pay for a host of system improvements, including installing water meters, returning a pump house to service and replacing curb stops.