Proposed Water Rate Increase and Availability of Water Conservation Discounts
The Sacramento County Water Agency will be increasing water rates effective July 1, 2009, with a second increase effective July 1, 2010. About eighty-five percent of our 55,000 customers are billed on the basis of metered water use, although some still pay a flat rate for water service. Each of our customers should have received a Notification of Water Rate Increase tailored to where they own property:
- Mailer #1: For those who own homes/businesses in the communities of Walnut Grove, Hood, South West tract, Arden Park and Northgate.
- Mailer #2: For those who own homes/businesses in the communities of Laguna/Vineyard/Elk Grove Area and Mather/Sunrise/Rancho Cordova Area.
If you have questions about your water rates, please visit our frequently asked questions page or call us at 874-6851.
Calculate Your New Bill
Find out how the new rates will affect your home or business by using our online bill calculator. For meter-billed customers, enter the number of gallons you typically use during the two-month billing cycle to see what your bill will be after the new rate goes into effect. You can also calculate how much you can save by using less water. Calculate your new bill.
We offer eligible low-income property owners a water bill discount through our Water Lifeline Rate Assistance Program. Check to see if you qualify.
Lower Your Water Bills with a Water Conservation Discount
Meter-billed residential customers can save money by taking advantage of the Water Agency’s new tiered water rates that become effective July 1. The Water Agency recently completed a rate study in which it was determined that our customers use an average 32,912 gallons per two-month billing cycle (approximately 550 gallons per day). As a result of recommendations made in the rate study, the Water Agency will apply tiered rates such that a ten percent discount will be given to each customer who uses 22,440 gallons or less per billing cycle, and a twenty percent discount to customers who use 10,472 gallons or less per billing cycle.
The following chart is an example of your bill with the water conservation discount based on a 60-day billing cycle; your actual bill will vary based on the number of days in a billing cycle:
Metered Residential (Consumption: 22,440 gallons) Service Charge (1-inch Service) Subtotal 10% Discount Capital Development Fee TOTAL with 10% Savings |
32.40 16.62 49.02 - 4.90 42.34 86.46 |
36.46 18.70 55.16 - 5.52 47.94 97.58 |
Metered Residential (Consumption: 10,472 gallons) Service Charge (1-inch Service) Subtotal 20% Discount Capital Development Fee TOTAL with 20% Savings |
15.12 16.62 31.74 - 6.34 42.34 67.74 |
17.02 18.70 35.72 - 7.14 47.94 76.50 |
Learn more about how you can conserve water. Check out our water conservation tips.
Related Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) Board Meeting and Materials
April 7, 2009: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.50 of Title 3 of the Sacramento County Water Agency Code Increasing Rates for Water Service for Zones 40 and 41
February 3, 2009: Receive and File Report to Enact the Proposed Monthly Rate Increases
January 27, 2009: Proposed Water Rates Workshop