Sewer and Water Rate Increases
Summary
Water service fees brought in $3.3 million but the fund ended with just $4 million in unrestricted reserves — not much cushion for emergency repairs or future projects. Staff have put out an RFP for a water rate study and proposals are being evaluated.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 3
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 22, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
A water rate study is underway and could lead to the first rate increase since 2019.
Long-run, all water customers benefit from a financially sustainable water system.
Water customers may see bills rise once the rate study is complete.
Mentions & discussions (9)
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Nov 10, 2026
A proposed ordinance revises water service rules, fees and deposits, and backflow/cross-connection controls in the municipal code.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Oct 27, 2026
Riverbank is updating its water code to match the state's new cross-connection control rules — mostly affecting annual backflow device testing for homes and businesses, with repairs now due within 30 days of a failed test.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Oct 13, 2026
Residents said sewer rates have already jumped from $49.48 to $95.12 with $109.39 coming, and water rate increases are now being studied. One speaker asked the city to make Prop 218 notices impossible to miss.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Sep 22, 2026
Multiple speakers said the city can't fund or operate the wastewater expansion Riverwalk depends on, noting sewer rates have jumped sharply and a projected $146/month rate would be among the most expensive in California. Mayor Hernandez voted no in part for this reason.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Jul 28, 2026
Trash rates are going up 3.8% under the CPI formula in the city's contract with Gilton Solid Waste — roughly $2.92 more per billing cycle for a typical home. One resident objected that service hasn't improved and families are struggling; Gilton's owner defended the increase, citing fuel and landfill costs.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Jun 23, 2026
Water rates haven't changed since 2019 and the water fund is projected at a $1.3 million deficit. The approved rate study will kick off a Prop 218 process that could mean rate increases — with Spanish-language outreach promised.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - May 12, 2026
Water service fees brought in $3.3 million but the fund ended with just $4 million in unrestricted reserves — not much cushion for emergency repairs or future projects. Staff have put out an RFP for a water rate study and proposals are being evaluated.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Feb 24, 2026
The water fund is $554,000 in the red and rates haven't risen since 2019. Staff is preparing to hire a rate study consultant — a signal that water bills may go up.
City Council / Local Redevelopment Authority - Jan 13, 2026
Multiple residents alleged the city's sewer rates violate Proposition 218, saying costs of growth are being shifted onto existing residents and that Sewer Fund 106 payroll grew 300% in three years. They demanded an audit and a halt to rate hikes.
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