Rate Study

The District is in 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 are working 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 is 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 is 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.

Rate Study Committee

In April 2023, the District Board of Directors created an ad hoc Water Rates Advisory Committee (Committee) to meet with ratepayer representatives to receive input and recommendations as part of the 2023 rate study. The Committee is represented by 10 District customers and two Board Members who are all ratepayers. 

The purpose of the Committee is to provide focused input to the Board of Directors on water rates structure and design details based on the options and objectives selected by the Board. The anticipated goals and outcomes of the Committee are to contribute ideas, feedback, and recommendations in areas such as social equity, administrative manageability, and aid in educating other customers on the District’s rate-setting process.

How to Participate and Learn More

As the District conducts its water rates study, we invite the community to learn more and provide input by attending a meeting or event listed below. You can also submit comments and questions via email or call (831) 475-8500 x132. 

Meetings/Outreach Events:

• October 17, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet
• October 21, 2023: Aptos Farmers Market
• November 16, 2023: Water Rates Webinar, 6-7pm via ZOOM: Watch the recorded video by scrolling down the page
• November 20, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting - Board Packet
• December 5, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting
• December 19, 2023: Board of Directors Meeting
• TBD: Water Rates Open House