By Mark Cowling | PinalCentral
Johnson Utilities water customers have been surprised recently by ever-higher bills.
Florence Town Councilwoman Karen Wall, an Anthem resident, said for the past couple of months, her Johnson Utilities bill has been around $98, compared with the $84 bill she was used to receiving.
The issue seems to be the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District “adjustor fee.” The utility must pay the CAGRD an annual replenishment tax, based on the amount of excess groundwater it pumps. With the approval of the Arizona Corporation Commission, Johnson Utilities passes this cost on to customers.
Johnson Utilities posted an article on its CAGRD adjustor fee in its monthly newsletter and this week on its Facebook page. Brad Cole, chief operating officer for Johnson Utilities, did not return messages seeking further explanation.
