Darrin Parmenter (Herald, Jan. 6) recommends watering plants, shrubs and lawns now – during dry winter months.

Before turning on your hose, consider the impact watering has on your sewer bill, given the increased sewer charges implemented by Durango City Council.

Our sewer charges are divided into two parts: a base charge (each residence generally pays the same) and a usage charge.

Your sewer usage charge is calculated based on all water used from January through March, including the winter watering of green spaces.

Durango possibly has the most expensive usage charge in Colorado (Herald, Dec. 9). This rate structure results in an unfair burden for families who live here full time.

Others who go south for the winter, or use their home only for vacations, do not pay their fair share of the cost of the sewer plant. The large fixed costs to pay the sewer plant debt and pay salaries should be recouped by the base charge, not the usage charge. The sewer rate ordinance states this as well.

City council believes the rate structure protects people with low incomes. However, the city already has a Utility Rebate Program for low incomes, and low incomes do not necessarily have low sewer usage.

Councilor Sweetie Marbury also stated that LPEA uses a low base charge, so council matched that model. However, LPEA doesn’t pay for a $64 million sewer plant.

Parmenter is correct that green spaces need water now, but a sewer bill will also grow unless council corrects the rate structure.

John Simpson

Durango