Archives: FAQs

The City charges both a fixed monthly service charge and a water use or “volumetric” rate. The fixed service charge is based on the size of a meter and is a flat sum due each month without respect to water use. All Single Family Residential users pay the same monthly charge because the small differences … Continued

Water rate studies are usually done every four or five years. The 2014 Water Rate Study came just before an important court decision which changed how water rates are calculated under Proposition 218 (a State law regulating rates), particularly regarding tiered rates (rates that increase with consumption to encourage conservation). In light of this and … Continued

Yes. The rate increase is needed to maintain the current level of ser- vice, improve infrastructure, and to maintain reliable and safe water service. Without these increases, the public could see reduced service levels, higher future costs due to deferred maintenance, and decreased reliability. The increase will also fund fire flow improvements to protect public … Continued

Water rates were last studied in 2014, and the City Council adopted a 5-year schedule of increases. The last rate increase was 5% which was implemented in February 2018.

Customers’ actual increases will differ depending on the type of account (residential, commercial, industrial), meter size, and water use. The specific increase to you will depend on the size of your meter and the amount of water you use. There will be a rate increase effective September 1. There will not be a rate increase … Continued

The overall utility-wide revenue increase needed from September 2018 through June 2019 is 3.5%. Subsequent required revenue increases are 7.5% in each of July 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The total revenue increases needed per year results in the rate increases shown in the Proposed Monthly Service Charges table in the Proposition 218 Notice.

Residents, visitors and businesses in Sonoma count on the City to deliver high-quality, reliable water for a variety of community needs including indoor use, outside irrigation and fire protection. The water utility is self-funded, meaning its revenues must equal its expenditures. Water rates must cover the cost of service and maintain prudent reserves in case … Continued

Water rates pay for ongoing operations, maintenance, repair and improvements of the City’s water utility. Costs include the purchase of water plus operation and maintenance of wells, water mains, fire hydrants, valves, meters, pumps and other infrastructure. Rates also pay for capital improvement projects to upgrade water pipes and other infrastructure to ensure the City … Continued