West Sacramento City Council Adopts Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments

On March 18, 2026, the West Sacramento City Council adopted water and sewer rate adjustments following a Public Hearing and completion of the Proposition 218 process. The new rates will take effect beginning April 1, 2026, with additional scheduled adjustments annually on January 1^st, through 2030.

A rate study conducted by HF&H Consultants determined that adjustments are necessary to address increasing costs associated with maintaining and operating the City's water and sewer systems. Like many agencies across California, West Sacramento is facing rising construction costs, stricter regulatory requirements, and the need to repair and replace aging infrastructure. Without these updates, the City would face higher long-term costs, increased risk of service disruptions, and potential public health and environmental impacts.

The last approved rate plan for water, sewer, and refuse services was adopted in 2017, establishing annual adjustments for the five-year period from 2018 through 2021. While maintaining low rates over time benefited customers, it also limited the City's ability to invest in preventative maintenance and critical system upgrades. As a result, much of the system has been maintained reactively, which is more costly than planned improvements.

The five-year scheduled adopted rates are designed to ensure stable, long-term funding for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements.

To support residents who may be impacted by the rate adjustments, the City is offering two new rate assistance programs:

• Low-Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program - Provides a $20 monthly bill credit ($18 for water and sewer, $2 for refuse) for qualifying households. Eligibility is aligned with PG&E CARE and the Sacramento Sewer Lifeline programs.
  
  
• Fixed Income Senior Rate Assistance (FISRA) - Provides a $15 monthly bill credit for water and sewer for seniors on a fixed income who do not qualify for LIRA.

Residents can learn more about the rate adjustments and view detailed rate tables at wsac.city/utility-rates. Residents looking to apply for assistance can visit: wsac.city/utilityassistance.