Local water district officials consider rate hikes

The Bay Area's effort to conserve water could actually lead to a new increase in water rates for customers.

ABC7 News' media partner, the San Jose Mercury News reports three water districts, which include the Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the East Bay Municipal Utility District are considering rate hikes of up to 30 percent this year.

The agencies serve 80 percent of the Bay Area's population. Officials say they need to increase rates because they are selling less water as customers conserve due to the drought.

Santa Clara Valley Water District directors will discuss a rate increase during their meeting on Tuesday.

For full coverage on the drought, click here.