WITH A NEW DESALINATION PLANT PLANNED FOR THE CENTRAL COAST, CAL-AM WATER CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT TO PAY MORE FOR THEIR WATER BILL AS EARLY AS THIS FALL. BEGINNING AT THE END OF OCTOBER THROUGH 2018, CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER CUSTOMERS ARE EXPECTED TO SEE A 40-PERCENT INCREASE ON THEIR BILLS. THE NEW RATE IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT 100-THOUSAND CAL-AM CUSTOMERS. THE RATE WILL BE PHASED OUT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WHEN THE DESAL PLANT GOES ONLINE.
