Notice of Utility Rate Increase

Go to Resources/Fee Schedule for updated rates and sample usage.

Dear Customers,

Because of the increased cost to maintain operations, to cover recent repair costs, to cover previous contingency items, and in preparation of the District to begin to rebuild reserve funds for upcoming major repair and maintenance needs, Llano County MUD #1 will institute a rate increase for all water, sewer, and trash services effective with the March 2024 bill.

In keeping with the District’s goals to provide quality services and maintain operational readiness, along with meeting regulatory standards, the District undertook major infrastructure maintenance at our main lift station, which handles sewage disposal, and at the Water Treatment Plant, which produces the community’s potable water.  The District now also faces cost increases to provide garbage and trash disposal services to the community.  The Board also took care to consider the future of the community’s needs with this review.  The District foresees more major improvements are still needed and must bring the rates closer to closing the current gap between normal expenditures and income to stay on schedule and prepare for those future needs.  After months of review and thoughtful consideration, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the rates for water, sewer, and garbage services.

This was a tough decision to make, and we understand how it affects our customers.  Therefore, we thank you for your ongoing support and trust that these changes will help us continue providing you with quality utility services and excellent customer care.

Special Notice to Blue Lake Estates Residents –
High Water Users, Be Diligent
The upcoming rate increase has a greater impact on high water use customers.  This time of year, while landscapes are dormant and rain chances are higher, you may not see a huge impact on your water bill.  However, as the summer months approach, you will need to be extra diligent to monitor your water use.  The highest impact to your bill will begin after using approximately 15,000 gallons or more.   

How do I manage my water bill?  With the rate increase affecting the higher tier water users, you want to be diligent to repair leaks as soon as possible, eliminate water waste such as irrigation heads spraying sidewalks, roads, and non-manicured areas and, you want to be sure to use the spring months to check your irrigation schedule before the drier months arrive.  Use all of the best management practice resources available to plan water use for landscaping during the summer months if you want to avoid very high water bill fees.  If you are a part time resident of the community, you will need to be alert and use your local neighbors, friends, or other resources to help you monitor water use on your property.   The District will hold users accountable for high use, especially due to water waste and excessive water use.

Why should I care about using too much water?  Not only is water an extremely precious resource in all the State of Texas, but the cost to provide this resource is increasing year by year.  Specialized equipment, chemicals, trained personnel, State oversight, and more all must be maintained to a certain level of minimum standards and like many other businesses, the cost to provide those services is on the rise.  Another thing to consider is the high rate of growth in the Highland Lakes area.  With all the added demand to our resources and the drought conditions continuing, the future of water use may be drastically different than what you are accustomed to today.  Being water smart is not only a good way to reduce your bill, but good for the sustainability of your water resources. 

Blue Lake Estates Residents on Average

Studies show that a typical household in the State of Texas will use on average 2,500 gallons per month for bathing, cooking, washing clothes, and watering the lawn.  Also, outdoor residential use is estimated to be 29% of the total residential use.  (savetexaswater.org/ resources/ doc/Hoffman_Analysis_Muni_2016.pdf).  The past 12 months of use in Blue Lake Estates shows that residents here fall within that average. 
 

Gallons per Month	Percent of the Population of Blue Lake Estates who Use This Many Gallons per Month based on the 2023 Calendar Year Average
Up to 3,000 (BMC)	73.624%
3,000-10,000	5.69%
10,000-20,000	8.9%
20,000-30,000	7.468%
30,000-40,000	2.983%
40,000- 50,000	1.021%
Remainder	0.305%