Study Introduction and Overview

Study Area OverviewStaff Name, Department (DEPT ACRONYM)

Water and Wastewater UtilityRate Study Community Advisory Group

Meeting #1: October 21, 2018

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Agenda

6:30 – 6:50 Welcome and Introductions

6:50 – 7:00 RSCAG Charge and Objectives

7:00 – 7:20 Study Overview and Objectives

• Arlington’s Water Systems

• Rate Study Overview and Goals

• Public Engagement Overview and Goals

7:20 – 7:40 Q&A

7:40 – 7:50 Wrap-Up and Next Steps

7:50 – 8:00 Public Comment

Water and Wastewater UtilityRate Study Community Advisory Group 3

Rate Study Community Advisory Group (RSCAG)Name Affiliation Category

Regina Boston NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association)

Development Community

Lily Duran Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) Residential

Matt Gerber Chamber of Commerce Large Business

Heitham Ghariani Southampton Condo Association Residential

Kathleen Harrison Arlington County Civic Federation Residential

Herschel Kanter Commission on Aging Residential

Daniel Logan Columbia Pike Laundromat Small Business

Michael Mesmer Environment and Energy Conservation Commission (E2C2) Environmental

Bob Orttung Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee Residential

Nora Palmatier Urban Forestry Commission Environmental

Peter Robertson Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission Fiscal Matters

Rafael Sampayo Arlington County Engagement Brigade Residential

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RSCAG Charge

• Represent• Represent the interests and views of their respective interest

groups. Members are encouraged to communicate regularly with their interest group and to act in a liaison role with and to convey the opinions of their interest group to County staff and consultants.

• Collaborate• Work collaboratively with each other, County staff, and

consultants to inform the development of rate and fee structures that effectively balance the needs and interests of all stakeholders.

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RSCAG Objectives

• Represent identified Stakeholder interests and concerns

• Provide feedback and perspective on the Study

• Liaise between community groups and the County project team

• Encourage participation and communication through project engagement opportunities (e.g., pop-ups and community workshops)

Multi-family Family Residential

Fiscal MattersEnvironmental

Vulnerable Populations(Low-Moderate Incomes, Seniors)

Development Community Large and Small

Businesses

Property Management

Single Family Residential

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Arlington’s Water and Wastewater Systems

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County Utilities at a Glance

• Water Transmission & Distribution only– Treated water purchased from Washington Aqueduct

• Sanitary sewer collection, conveyance, and wastewater treatment

• Key statistics: – County population: 226,400– Accounts: 37,500

• Does not include Stormwater Management– County has separate storm sewer systems and

separate funding mechanism

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County Water System• Water Transmission & Distribution

only• Water is purchased wholesale from

Washington Aqueduct– No water treatment plant in

Arlington• Key water statistics:

– 21 MGD average day consumption– 525 miles of pipeline (4” to 48”)– 5 pump stations– 6,000 valves– 3,700 fire hydrants– 32 (MG) storage capacity

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County Wastewater System• Sanitary sewer collection,

conveyance, and treatment• 40 MGD (capacity) Water

Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)– Average 25.6 MGD treatment

• Inter-Jurisdictional (IJ) Partners– Arlington contracts with Fairfax County to

convey 1.8 MGD to Blue Plains WWTP– Fairfax Co, Falls Church, and Alexandria

have reserved capacity of 6.8 MGD (~17%) at Arlington’s WPCP

• Key sewer statistics:– 470 miles of pipeline – 13 lift stations

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Rate Study Overview

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Rate Study Scope

• Study involves – financial planning and modeling – cost of service analysis– review of the rate structure

• Periodic rate studies are considered industry "best practice"– Arlington's last rate study was completed in 2004

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What is a Rate Structure?

Rate Structure Rate

A rate structure concerns how customers are charged for

services.

The rate is what amount of money is charged.

Current User Rates(per 1,000 gallons)

Water $ 4.70

Wastewater $ 9.10

Combined $ 13.80

Current Rate Structure

• Uniform - Each unit of water/wastewater costs the same amount

• Based on water usage• Volumetric charges only

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Rates and Charges

• County recovers all costs for water and wastewater service through rates, charges, and miscellaneous fees – not taxes.– User Rates: Recurring, based on usage or

access to system– Infrastructure Availability Fees (IAFs): One-

time charges for new development– Other Miscellaneous Fees: Ancillary charges

for various non-recurring services (late fees, turn-on fees, inspection fees, etc.)

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Goals of the Study

Cost of Service & Rate Design

Generate sufficient revenues

Address utility & stakeholder objectives

Consistent with industry best practice

Defensible if challenged

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Public Engagement Overview

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Communication and Public Engagement TacticsOngoing, broad communication & public engagement

Key Stakeholder Consultation

Forums for Community Interaction & Input

Connecting at Existing Community Events

• Project Web Page• Online Engagement Platform • Existing County Communications

• Rate Study Community Advisory Group

• Community Workshops/Meetings• Open Houses

• Pop-ups• Civic Association Briefings• Briefings for Partners,

Commissions and Other Groups

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Public Engagement Goals

Public Engagement

Educate and inform

Update on latest developments

Solicit feedback from Stakeholders

Share how public input informs study

Establish channels for communication

Q & Awater.arlingtonva.us/water-and-wastewater-utility-rate-study/

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Wrap-up and Next Steps

Meetings Topics Meeting Dates

Study Introduction and Overview

• RSCAG introduction and Rate Study overview• What is a Rate Structure? What Alternative Rate

Structures are Common in the Industry?October 21, 2019

System Background and Rate-Setting Process

• Water and Wastewater System Overview – Plant Tour• Historical Consumption/Usage Patterns• Rates 101 and Study Approach

November 14, 2019

Core Values • Identify and prioritize core values to inform rate structure design TBD

Alternative Rate and Fee Structure Proposals

• Alternative Water and Sewer Rate and Fee (e.g., Infrastructure Availability, Miscellaneous) Structures TBD

Recommendation Development and Reporting

• Recommended Rate and Fee Structures• Summary of RSSAG’s Consolidated Feedback • Summary of Feedback from the broader Arlington

Community

TBD

RSCAG Meeting Topics and Schedule

Thank you!water.arlingtonva.us/water-and-wastewater-utility-rate-study/