Within the next few weeks, public notices called Prop 218 will be mailed to all Surf City residents and businesses, informing them of proposed water and wastewater (sewer) rate increases. The Huntington Beach City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. to consider proposed rates for water and wastewater services.

To keep pace with inflation and rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services, the City of Huntington Beach is considering rate increases over the next five years, effective July 1, 2024, with annual rate adjustments on July 1 of each year through 2028. The last time the City’s water and wastewater rates increased was in 2019.

The City Council will hear and consider oral testimony and written materials submitted regarding proposed rate increases at the Public Hearing in the Huntington Beach City Council Chambers, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach 92648. The City Council can adjust the proposed rate increases in response to oral testimony and written materials submitted for consideration.

In compliance with California Proposition 218, the City is mailing an official Notice to inform Huntington Beach property owners and water and wastewater customers that proposed rate increases are being considered at a Public Hearing on April 16 and of their right to participate and to protest rate increases. The public is encouraged to read the Notice that begins arriving in the mail as early as February 29 or access the digital copy and related information at https://huntingtonbeachca.gov/ratestudy. The public can also request information via email at [email protected] or call (714) 536-5431.

The City of Huntington Beach is dedicated to cost-effectively providing reliable water and wastewater services while protecting water resources and the public’s health. Recent inflation, lower water use, increased wholesale water costs, and aging infrastructure have negatively impacted the City’s water and sewer utilities’ finances. Utility systems must keep up with rising costs and be able to implement critical capital projects that are mandated or necessary for the health and safety of our communities, residents, and visitors.

To address these challenges, the City is proposing increasing rates and charges customers pay for water and sewer services. The proposed rates are determined based on the projected revenue to fund operations and maintenance, capital, debt service, and reserves. The financial analyses and rate models are documented in the Rate Study Reports with supporting data on how proposed rates were developed. The proposed rates over the next five years are contained in the Notice.