On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, the Manhattan Beach City Council adopted a plan to increase water and wastewater (sewer) rates over the next five years, starting with utility bills issued January 1, 2010. The proposed rate changes are necessary to keep pace with the known and expected increases in wholesale cost of water purchased by the City, some of which is driven by the on-going drought and water shortage. The rates will also provide for infrastructure repairs, maintenance and construction, including water and sewer mains, reservoirs and water wells, which are necessary to ensure the viability and safety of our water and wastewater systems.