FAQ'S

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Lake  Elsinore’s main source of water is from EVMWD’s waste-water treatment plant. As time has gone on and recycled water technologies have improved,  we have been able to seek grant funding to convert an abandoned Ag line to recycled water conveyance, increasing the amount of water we put into the Lake each day and with advanced technology, improved quality. The additional flow improves the overall health of the Lake as well as maintains a higher Lake level.

California State law specifically Proposition 218, dictates how water and wastewater rates are set.  Each proposed rate increase requires a public hearing process, a rate study and public participation.  EVMWD has adopted a 2-year budget so any rate increases over that period of time are included in the Proposition 218 process.  EVMWD does not automatically increase rates without public participation.

The cost of living increases every year. The cost of imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through Western Municipal Water District also increases every year. EVMWD relies on 67% of all of its water from imported sources. By obtaining grants and low-interest or no-interest loans to build required capital improvement projects, we are able to offset a certain portion of these costs, minimizing the rate increases. Delaying or avoiding rate increases only kicks these expenses down the road and rather than having small, manageable amounts, we would be looking at significant increases in years ahead. As part of our bond rating criteria, rate increases are expected and quite frankly required. To offset rate increase impacts to our most vulnerable residents, we developed the RARE Program. Using non-rate revenue sources, the EVMWD Board developed this program to assist low-income residents. Residents that qualify for the California Public Utilities Commission CARE program are automatically eligible for the RARE program.

 Ratepayers expect financial competency and fiscal responsibility; Phil has demonstrated both. While serving on the Board and Representing Division four, he has worked to refinance EVMWD’s debt, saving ratepayers millions of dollars. He has developed relationships with Federal and State funding agencies bringing in over $ 60 million dollars of grants and low-interest or no-interest loans. In addition, we currently have with over $176 million more in application. The return on this investment, including travel, staff time and consultants is for $1.00 spent on travel and staff time, we have been able to bring $25.60 back to the district. That is a savings of over $5.80 per customer, per month for twenty years. For our low-income residents, we have developed the RARE Program. Using non-rate revenue sources, the EVMWD Board developed this program to assist low-income residents. Residents that qualify for the California Public Utilities Commission CARE program are automatically eligible for the RARE program.

The majority of the EVMWD budget is comprised of regulatory compliance and water purchases: neither of which the EVMWD Board has any control over.

The truth is quite the opposite.  Over the last 5 years the Board has been able to restructure debt, get $70.4 million in grants and low/no interest loans, resulting a saving of $5.18 per ratepayer per month for the next 20 years.

EVMWD’s current debt is approximately $164.4 Million and is strictly for large capital improvement projects such as the wastewater treatment plant mandated expansion and upgrades. Day to day operations are not financed.  They are paid for through rates.

Directors travel has resulted in $70.4 million in federal grants and state low or no-interest loans.  For $1 spent on staff time as well as director and staff travel, EVMWD has earned a return of over $25.00.  Travel is done when necessary and is susceptible to current market rates

In order to deliver water and wastewater services to new developments, capacity fees are necessary.  This removes the burden from current ratepayers to those that will benefit.  Current ratepayers should not bear the burden of new development.

The employee fitness center was an investment as part of our overall employee health and wellness program.  Rebate money that came as a direct result of improved employee safety records was used to fund the wellness center; it was not and is not funded through rate-payer dollars.  By having the wellness center, our insurance grant through Associated California Water Agencies is greater than it would be without it. This year we got $1700, the maximum award. 

In addition, since October 2018, when the wellness center opened the overall sick leave has been reduced by 11.42% from FY18-19 and total of 36.18% from FY18-20.   We have come to understand that the Wellness Center is a huge morale boost, staff uses it regularly and it has been a great addition to our other health programs (Biggest Loser, etc), and especially with COVID-19, a huge stress reliever.  

The cost of living increases every year.  The cost of imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through Western Municipal Water District also increases every year. EVMWD relies on 67% of all of its water from imported sources. By obtaining grants and low-interest or no-interest loans to build required capital improvement projects, we are able to offset a certain portion of these costs, minimizing the rate increases. Delaying or avoiding rate increases only kicks these expenses down the road and rather than having small, manageable amounts, we would be looking at significant increases in years ahead.  As part of our bond rating criteria, rate increases are expected and quite frankly required.  To offset rate increase impacts to our most vulnerable residents, we developed the RARE Program.  Using non-rate revenue sources, the EVMWD Board developed this program to assist low-income residents. Residents that qualify for the California Public Utilities Commission CARE program are automatically eligible for the RARE program

• LEAPS started Prior to Phil coming onto the EVMWD board. At his first opportunity after being elected Phil made a motion to stop partnering with the LEAPS project.
• After years of litigation, EVMWD approved a settlement agreement of a lawsuit filed by the Nevada Hydro Company related to the LEAPS project. The settlement agreement clarifies EVMWD’s future obligations for providing water services to Nevada Hydro for the LEAPS Project. Please see handout provided for more details.
• EVMWD is not a partner in the LEAPS project.
• EVMWD may recuse itself from some LESJWA Board decisions involving LEAPS, subject to the EVMWD/Nevada Hydro litigation settlement terms. 

EVMWD Board members do not earn a salary.  Rather, they are paid a stipend for each meeting they attend up to 10 per month.  On average, most directors attend 12 to 14 meetings per month. 

Good leadership requires employee engagement.  Recognizing staff’s service and accomplishments reduces turnover, saving ratepayers money.  With over 175 employees, gathering together requires a large venue. The expense of this event is funded by employees recycling efforts and does not come out of water or sewer rates.

The current overflow parking lot for visitors, customers and guests is an unimproved dirt lot.  The current condition of the lot does not meet current American with Disability Act requirements nor does it meet the curbing and water runoff requirements of the City of Lake Elsinore.  This project has been put on hiatus due to COVID-19 and the inability for large groups to gather.