Proposed Rate Increases 2023 (Novato Service Area)
(Updated June 14, 2023)
The District proposes rate increases for the Novato service area for fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY 23/24). If approved at the public hearing on June 20, 2023, the new rates will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The public hearing will take place at 100 Wood Hollow Drive in Novato at 4:00 pm. For more details about the public hearing and the proposed rate increases see the links below. Also, look for a detailed flyer in the mail.
The key reasons that a 9.5% rate increase for Novato Water and a 5.3% rate increase for Recycled Water is needed are described below:
- Rising costs to purchase imported water. The District typically imports 75% of its water from Sonoma County Water Agency. The cost of purchasing imported water accounts for 30% of the budget and the water supplier has increased its rates of purchased water by 12.51% in FY 23/24.
- Increased investment in water facilities. The District must continue to invest in facility upgrades and replacements, including water supply enhancement projects, with an approximate cost of $4 million per year. These investments benefit the system’s fire protection, water supply, and aging infrastructure and are essential to properly maintain the District’s$132 million system of pipelines, pumps, Stafford Dam, treatment plants, valves, hydrants, laboratory, monitoring systems, buildings, and more.
- Impact of inflation on all costs. The proposed revenue increase is designed to meet all the costs of providing water service. This includes purchasing, treating, and delivering safe, high-quality, reliable water to your home or business without fail.
Rate comparison
Our proposed rate increase is the lowest in Marin County and at the median for water agencies around the Bay Area region.
More Information About Proposed Rate Changes