ACWD to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Increase in Water Rates

Fremont, Calif. – The Alameda County Water District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 9, and consider a proposed two-year water rate increase of 4% to the bimonthly service and commodity charges and updates to drought surcharges and private fire service rates beginning March 1, 2023.

For the average residential customer using 16 units of water in a two-month billing cycle, about 200 gallons per day, the proposal would increase their bimonthly bill by $5.30, or $2.65 per month.

In 2022, ACWD adopted drought surcharges to stabilize revenue during drought. The proposed increase of $0.03 per unit of water, or 748 gallons, helps meet the fixed cost of water treatment, delivery and system maintenance.

In December 2021, ACWD declared a stage 2a water shortage emergency and adopted water use restrictions and mandates to achieve a 15% systemwide reduction in water use.

Though early winter storms delivered heavy precipitation to the Bay Area, local and statewide drought declarations and related state regulations remain in effect. A better water supply outlook is expected in the coming months.

Nearly half of the revenue increase will fund capital projects and anticipated cost increases for purchased water. The balance will cover employee compensation and benefits with union contract agreements, including cost-of-living increases under 3.3% through 2024, and be used to meet increased regulatory water quality requirements and protect debt covenants.

As a public agency, ACWD is not-for-profit, and the revenue collected covers the increased cost of providing services.

The proposed increases follow financial analyses and four public workshops during 2022. In addition, ACWD hosted two community meetings in January in advance of the public hearing.

Members of the public can attend the meeting in person or via webinar. In addition, the Board will take public comments during the public hearing.

Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023

Time: 6 p.m.

Meeting Location: ACWD Headquarters

43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

Webinar on Zoom

Link available at acwd.org/rates

Passcode: 438204

For more information, or to submit a protest, visit acwd.org/rates.

Since 1914, the Alameda County Water District has supplied water to the residents and businesses of southern Alameda County. ACWD supplies drinking water to the more than 345,000 people living in the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City. For more information, please visit www.acwd.org.