By Susan Bitter Smith | The Arizona Republic
This summer, the Arizona Corporation Commission enacted a historic reform that will help ensure that all Arizonans have a secure and affordable water future.
A new rate-making mechanism called System Improvement Benefits will address Arizona’s severe water-infrastructure needs without causing rate shock for customers.
More than 400 private water companies provide service in Arizona. Many of these companies have existed since the early days of statehood. The American Water Works Association estimates there is more than $30million of needed major infrastructure replacement in the West, much of which is in Arizona. That does not include the minor distribution plant that is so vital to the viability of small companies in rural parts of our state.
