The Alameda County Water District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 10, and consider a proposed water rate increase of 6% to total fixed charge revenue, which is about a 2% rate increase for the average customer beginning March 1, 2022. The Board also will consider adopting water shortage emergency stage rates.
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 $2.33, or $1.17 per month.
To ensure sufficient revenue to cover the cost of providing water service during a water shortage emergency, the Board will consider adopting “stage rates.” If adopted and implemented, the 2a stage rate of $0.787 per water unit, or 748 gallons, would be effective March 1.
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On December 9, 2021, the District declared a water shortage emergency and adopted an ordinance with mandatory water use restrictions to reduce water use by 15% in Fremont, Newark and Union City.
California remains in a significant drought.
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About a quarter of the total revenue that ACWD collects will fund critical infrastructure improvements. The balance will cover employee compensation and benefits, water supply purchases, and be used to meet increased regulatory water quality requirements and protect debt covenants.
The Board did not increase rates in 2021.
The proposed increases and water shortage emergency stage rates come following financial analyses and five public workshops. In addition, ACWD hosted a community meeting in January in advance of the public hearing.
The Board will take public comment during the public hearing.
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022
Time: 6 p.m.
Virtual Meeting: Zoom Link available at acwd.org/rates
Meeting ID: 833 5985 6504 Passcode: 438204
For more information, visit acwd.org/rates.
