Proposed rate increase and rate structure changes

The District proposes increasing rates and updating the water rate structure to the Novato and Recycled Water Service Areas for a three-year period starting with Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025.

If approved at the public hearing on June 18, 2024, the new rates and rate structure changes will go into effect on July 1, 2024. Public hearing will be held at the temporary District Administration office located at 100 Wood Hollow Dr at 4:00PM.

Reasons for the proposed rate increase and proposed rate structure changes are available in the FAQs here.

Proposed tiered quantity (usage) charges

Residential customers will continue to pay Tiered Quantity (Usage) Charges made up of three tiers that reflect the cost of the different sources of water.

Tier 1 is based on the cost of imported water. Tier 2 is based on the cost of locally treated water from Stafford Lake. Tier 3 is based on the cost of locally treated water plus the cost of the District’s conservation program, which is targeted at those customers that use the most water. Usage charges include an elevation zone charge to recover the costs of pumping water to higher elevations.

Proposed bi-monthly fixed service charges

The Bi-Monthly Fixed Service Charge includes an account charge and a meter charge. The meter charge is based on an industry standard that apportions costs based on meter size and flow capacity. Most single-family residential customers have a 5/8” meter. Residential accounts that have a 1” meter due to fire requirements, but would otherwise have a 5/8” meter, are charged at the 5/8” meter rate.

Pass-through provision for FY 25/26 and FY 26/27

Government Code 53756 allows for pass-through adjustments based upon increases in the wholesale charges for water from another public agency for up to a five-year authorization period. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, should Sonoma Water adopt an increase in its charges, North Marin may recalculate its rates to reflect the unknown future increases. Such future rate adjustments do not require additional public hearings or any additional action by the North Marin Water District.

At least 30 days before the annual July 1 effective date, North Marin Water District will notify its customers of the rate adjustment. Additional details regarding the formula for this passthrough calculation can be found in the 2024 Novato and Recycled Water Rate Study.

Sonoma Water Pass-Through Cost

The pass-through cost impacts the Tier 1 rate as indicated in the graphics below (examples are for residential customers).

Rate comparison

Our rates are the lowest in Marin County and at the median for water agencies around the Bay Area region.

*Survey results as of March 2024 using data available at the time the survey was compiled. Actual rates and comparisons may vary.

The proposed changes in rates are based on detailed engineering, financial, and legal evaluations carried out with the help of recognized experts in water rates. The rates conform to California law requiring that each residential and commercial, industrial, institutional and irrigation customer pay their proportionate share of the cost to serve them.

The maximum rates that may be imposed are shown. Prior to implementing the rates, the Board of Directors may choose to implement the full amount or less, but not more.

More Information About Proposed Rate Changes

At the public hearing

The Board of Directors will accept and consider all written protests and will hear and consider all verbal comments to the proposed rate increases at the public hearing. Verbal comments must be accompanied by a written protest to qualify as a valid protest. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Directors will consider adoption of the proposed rate increases as outlined in this notice. If written protests of the proposed changes are presented by a majority of the property owners or tenants subject to the proposed changes, the proposed rate increases will not be adopted.

Where to learn more, get answers, and make comments

Call: 415-897-4133
Email: info@nmwd.com
Visit: nmwd.com

Attend the board hearing
The Board will review and consider adopting the rate
increases at a public meeting on June 18, 2024, at
4:00pm at 100 Wood Hollow Drive in Novato.

How to protest the proposed rate increases

Any owner of a parcel upon which the water service charges are proposed to be changed, or any tenant that directly pays the water bill for such parcel, may submit a written protest of the proposed rate changes. Only one protest will be counted per parcel. Written protests must:

(1) state that the property owner or tenant is opposing the proposed increases; (2) provide the location of the parcel (by street address, assessor’s parcel number, or customer account number); and (3) include the name and signature of the property owner or tenant submitting the protest. Written protests may be submitted by mail to the District Secretary at North Marin Water District, PO Box 146, Novato, CA 94948, or in person at the public hearing. All written protests must be received prior to the close of the public input portion of the public hearing. Protests submitted via email or other electronic means will not be accepted. Please mark the protest: Attn: Novato Water Rate Hearing.