On November 17, 2009, Soquel Creek Water District held a Public Hearing on service charge and water rate changes.  The District proposed a 9% rate increase each year for the next three years to assist in funding a myriad of capital improvement projects necessary to ensure the communities we serve have a reliable and sustainable supply of high quality water now and in the future.

The Board of Directors, in response to customer concerns about the economy, voted to adopt a lower 5% increase in 2010.  Rates in 2011 and 2012 were adopted as reflected in the Notification of Public Hearing mailed to District customers in September 2009.

The rates and charges listed below took effect on January 1, 2012, and will appear on billing statements beginning March 1, 2012.

Service Charge

Covers costs that the District incurs regardless of whether any water is sold.  Includes the costs related to the District's 24-hour emergency response, meter readings, billings, collections, and customer service inquiries. Supports maintenance and improvements to District service lines, meters, and partial repayment of debt on capital improvement.

*1 unit = Hundred Cubic Feet (Ccf) = 748 gallons

Note:  Most residential customers have a 5/8-inch meter

Tier 1 Water Quantity Charge

The charge for actual water used during the previous two months for up to 8 units for 5/8-inch meters, single-family residential & up to 13 units for 3/4-inch and 1-inch meters, single-family residential. (One unit of water equals 748 gallons)

Tier 2 Water Quantity Charge

The charge for actual water used during the previous two months from 9-30 units for 5/8-inch meters, single-family residential & 14-49 units for 3/4-inch and 1-inch meters, single-family residential.

Tier 3 Water Quantity Charge

Conservation-based tier to encourage reducing residential usage over 31 units for 5/8-inch meters, single-family residential and over 50 units for 3/4-inch and 1-inch meters, single-family residential in a two-month billing period.

Two-Unit Parcels Served by a Single Meter

Single parcels with one water meter serving two residential units are subject to the tiered water quantity rate schedule that applies to domestic (residential) meters.  The tier threshold is determined by meter size and the rates that would apply are listed above under Water Quantity Charges.

Fire Service Charge

Funds fire protection in the District. Includes the cost of fire hydrant maintenance and pump upgrades, water mains, and a portion of the associated facility maintenance cost.

Additional Charges

A $25.00 delinquent charge is added to a past due water bill if it becomes necessary to generate a 48-Hour Notice of Discontinuance/Door Hanger.  This policy is in place so the majority of our customers who pay their bills on time are not subsidizing the cost to recover delinquent accounts.  The delinquent charge must be paid in addition to the outstanding balance to avoid disruption of service; delinquent charges cannot be waived or paid at a later date.