Rate increase and rate structure changes

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

Approved at the public hearing on June 18, 2024, the new rates and rate structure changes went into effect on July 1, 2024.

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

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.

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 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.

More Information About the Rate Changes

Where to learn more:

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