Water, Sewer and Recycled Water Rates
The City of Santa Clara Water & Sewer Utilities is committed to maintaining critical infrastructure and complying with all applicable rules and regulations to deliver safe, dependable, and efficient water, sewer, and recycled water to our customers. The City strives to maintain the affordability of these services. Despite implementing various cost savings measures, the City needs to increase rates for these utilities in the upcoming fiscal year. Please see “Notice of Public Hearing and Proposed Rate Increase for City of Santa Clara Solid Waste, Water and Sewer Utility Customers.” The public can comment on this proposal as described in the notice including attending the public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 7:00 pm at the Santa Clara City Hall Council Chambers located at 1500 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara.
Water Rate Changes
As of July 1, 2012, potable water rates increased by 6% from $2.99 per hundred cubic feet (hcf) to $3.17 per hcf. One hcf is equal to 748 gallons. The table below provides the minimum monthly charge based on size of the water meter. For more information, see the Water Rates page.
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Water Meter Size
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MINIMUM MONTHLY CHARGE starting
july 1, 2012
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Units of water the minimum charge equates to after
july 1, 2012
|
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5/8 x 3/4 inch
|
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$10.10
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3
|
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1 inch
|
|
$16.10
|
5
|
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1 1/2 inch
|
|
$29.25
|
9
|
|
2 inch
|
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$41.25
|
13
|
|
3 inch
|
|
$114.50
|
36
|
|
4 inch
|
|
$162.35
|
51
|
|
6 inch
|
|
$319.30
|
100
|
|
8 inch
|
|
$488.50
|
154
|
|
10 inch
|
|
$602.90
|
190
|
|
12 inch
|
|
$774.60
|
244
|
Recycled Water Rate Changes
As of July 1, 2012, recycled water rates increased by 8%. Irrigation customer rates increased from $1.75 per hcf to $1.89 per hcf. Industrial customer rates increased from $1.40 per hcf to $1.53 per hcf. For more information, see the Recycled Water Rates page.
Sewer Rate Changes
Residential Monthly Sewer Charges
As of July 1, 2012, the residential monthly sewer charge increased from $24.54 per month to $29.20 per month.
Changes in Commercial and Industrial Rates
Commercial and industrial rates for monthly sewer charges were also increased. The change for each rate is dependent on the customer type. The sewer rates for the various customer types can be found on the Sewer Rates page.
Reasons for Increases in Monthly Sewer Charges
- Wastewater Treatment Capital Projects: up to $250 million over the next 5 years. Santa Clara has the obligation for $40.3 million in the next 5 years
- Critical sewer replacement and capacity projects within the City total $44.0 million over the next 5 years.
- Need to qualify to borrow $7 million in FY 2011-12 for a critical in-City capital project.
- Capital Reserves are insufficient for needed projects.