West County Wastewater approves 12% rate hike to secure $34.3m in FY27 revenues

West County Wastewater approves 12% rate hike to secure $34.3m in FY27 revenuesThe California district will leverage the county tax roll to collect the increased charges, which are projected to fund 79% of the utility's annual operations and maintenance.

Single-family residential rates will rise by 12% to $912 per year in FY 2027.

The rate increase is expected to generate $34,338,806.98, representing roughly 79% of the district's operating revenues.

The Board of Directors approved the measure in a 4-1 vote following a public hearing that drew no public comments or objections.

In a separate action, the board approved $2.26 million in bulk chemical procurements to support process changes under the district's Clean and Green Project.

The West County Wastewater (WCW) District Board of Directors in California voted on July 1, 2026, to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Sewer Service Charge Report, authorizing a 12% rate increase. The measure passed in a 4-1 vote, allowing the district to place the charges on the Contra Costa County property tax roll for collection. The approved rate hike translates to a $97 annual increase—or $8.08 per month—for single-family residential users, bringing their total yearly charge to $912. Multi-family and mobile home residential rates are set at $800 per unit. Commercial and industrial rates will vary based on flow and strength categories, such as biological oxygen demand and suspended solids. Sewer service charges serve as the principal funding source for WCW. The FY 2027 rates are projected to generate $34,338,806.98, representing approximately 79% of the district's operating revenues. According to a staff report, these funds will ensure a stable revenue stream for ongoing operations, maintenance of the wastewater collection and treatment system, and capital improvements. The approval followed a public hearing held during the July 1 meeting. WCW General Counsel Nicole Witt noted that the hearing was an opportunity for property owners to review the charges and seek corrections. No public comments or formal objections were submitted. In a separate action during the consent calendar, the board unanimously approved over $2.26 million in bulk chemical purchases for FY 2027 wastewater treatment operations. This included a $1,197,000 purchase order to Univar Solutions USA for sodium hypochlorite, which is used to disinfect effluent prior to distribution to the East Bay Municipal Utility District or discharge into the San Francisco Bay. The board also approved a $708,500 order to Kemira Water Solutions for ferric chloride and a $359,700 sole-source order to KubWater Resources for liquid cationic polymer. District staff noted that the ferric chloride and polymer purchases are newly required to support process changes—including new rotary drum thickeners and carbon redirection for enhanced biogas production—introduced by the district's ongoing Clean and Green Project.