irrigation demand, the rate is $13.70 per HCF.
On May 3, 2023 (SA01), a five-year sewer rate package through FY 2027-28 was approved.
Single-family residential customers, which make up 87% of the Sanitation District’s
approximately 37,000 customers, will be assessed an annual sewer charge of $646.55 per
equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) which reflects the 5.75% increase approved in 2023. Last year’s
rate was $611.40 per EDU. An EDU is a standard unit of measure based on the average volume
of wastewater flow generated by a typical single-family residential dwelling. In addition, a
pass-through charge of $94.79 for the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater (Metro)
System will be charged per EDU for a combined annual charge of $741.35. Attachment B
contains a complete list of pass-through charges by residential, commercial, industrial, and
institutional classifications. The Department of Public Works (DPW), in 2023, met with all
affected Community Planning Groups, provided virtual meetings for the public, direct mailings,
dedicated website, including materials provided in all eight threshold languages and specific
stakeholder engagements.
The Department of Public Works continues to look for opportunities to reduce costs through
innovations and efficiencies. Collecting sewer and water service charges through the tax roll
minimizes administrative costs by eliminating the need for monthly billing and payment
collection. These efforts save customers more than $1 million annually. In addition, cutting-edge
technologies to inspect pipelines reduces costly emergency repairs and efficiently allows staff to
allocate labor, equipment, and materials to operate and maintain the systems.
A public hearing on these tax roll reports will be held at today’s meeting to allow the public an
opportunity to comment on sewer and water service charges on the property tax roll. Today’s
action also includes a request to conduct a public hearing on the Sanitation District, Water
District, and CSA No. 137 tax roll reports, and to adopt resolutions approving collection of
sewer and water service charges on the FY 2026-27 tax rolls. At the hearing, any interested
person may appear, and object or protest said reports.
If the resolutions are not adopted, the sewer and water service charges cannot be placed on the
tax rolls for FY 2026-27. Without the funds generated by the charges, services for sewer and
water would be greatly reduced.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Acting as the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Sanitation District:
Adopt a Resolution titled: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27TO BE COLLECTED ON THE TAX ROLL (Attachment D).
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The San Diego County Sanitation District, Campo Water Maintenance District, and County
Service Area No. 137 - Live Oak Springs Water System strive to implement programs and
projects that preserve, enhance, and promote quality of life, health and safety, sustainability,
equity, and environmental resources while simultaneously complying with mandatory federal,
state, and local regulations. The services, maintenance, and infrastructure enhancements realized
from the revenues generated by approved fee ordinances benefit unincorporated communities by
ensuring safe drinking water and reducing the risk of sewage spills and adverse impacts on water