Rate Study

2023 Rate Study Overview 

The District finished the process of studying the rates you pay for water services. Water rates need to keep pace with inflation and rising costs of providing high quality, reliable water. Ideally, rate studies are performed every three to five years. Since our water rates were last adjusted in 2019, inflation has risen more than 20% affecting the costs of delivering water. 

District staff and expert financial consultants worked diligently on a series of steps involving data evaluation and technical analyses to derive customer rates while considering customer impacts of any rate modifications. The goal of the rates study was to ensure that the rates customers pay for water services are: 

  • Sufficient to ensure the continued financial sustainability of District operations 
  • Sufficient to enable critical maintenance and infrastructure investment to continue high levels of service while complying with ever more stringent regulatory requirements 
  • Aligned with best practices and in accordance with state law 

The public was encouraged to participate in the rates study process and learn more about how rates are determined and how rate adjustments may impact your water bill. To learn more about setting legal rates in California, how rates are determined, and how the rates you pay are an investment in our critical infrastructure, check out our FAQs and the video(s) linked below.

2023 Rate Study New Rates Calculator

This calculator only calculates rates from March 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024.

Soquel Bill Calculator
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Your meter size can be found on the "Service Charge" line of your bill.
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Most Single Family Residential customers do not have fire service. If your bill includes a cost for 'Fire Service Charge' select Yes.
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Water use from your most recent bill. Water use is found under the "Units Used" header on your bill.
1 unit = 748 gallons
YOUR MONTHLY BILL PROPOSED CURRENT CHANGE
Fire Service Charge
TOTAL MONTHLY BILL

If approved, rate adjustments would go into effect March 1, 2024.

Past Meetings/Outreach Events:

  • October 17, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet • Presentation
  • October 21, 2023: Aptos Farmers Market
  • November 16, 2023: Water Rates Webinar, 6-7pm via ZOOM • Presentation
  • November 20, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet • Presentation
  • December 5, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet  •  Presentation
  • December 19, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet • Presentation
  • January 25, 2024: Water Rates Webinar, 6-7pm via ZOOM • Presentation
  • February 8, 2024: Water Rates Open House, 6-8pm, Temple Beth El
  • February 20, 2024: Public Hearing and Board Meeting, 6pm, Capitola City Council Chambers

Documents

Rate Study Committee

An Ad-Hoc Water Rates Advisory Committee was established in April 2023 to provide oversight and recommendations. The committee was represented by two board members with participation from 10 public participants, all of whom are ratepayers.

The purpose of the Committee is to review water rate structures based on options, priorities, and objectives requested by the Board and to provide ideas, feedback, and recommendations in areas including social equity, administrative manageability, and outreach.

  1. How is the Soquel Creek Water District funded?
  2. What do water rates pay for?
  3. Does the District make a profit?
  4. Why is the District conducting a water rate study?
  5. Why do we have to adjust water rates now?
  6. What is the rate study process?
  7. How are rates set?
  8. Who approves rate changes?
  9. Does the District inflate forecasted expenses when setting rates?
  10. What is the District doing to ensure adequate water supplies in the face of seawater intrusion?
View All

Videos