Water and Sewer Rates

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Current Water and Sewer Rates

The current water rates became effective on January 1, 2022. Water Rates Effective 01/01/2022
The current sewer rates became effective on January 1, 2024. Sewer Rates Effective 01/01/2024

Commercial Sewerage Strength Audit

The City has completed a review of all Commercial sewerage strengths during the most recent Sewer Rate Adoption effective 08/15/2023. During this audit, City Staff reviewed the business use of each commercial property as documented with the City's Business License records. In some cases, a new Sewerage Strength classification was assigned to the commercial account.

Sewerage strengths differ based on the type of commercial uses at the property. Generally, a retail or administrative commercial use will result in a Low Use Sewerage Strength classification while any food-service or industrial commercial uses will result in a High Use Sewerage Strength. Any mixed-use properties with both food-service and retail/administrative commercial uses are assigned at the Medium-High Sewerage Strength.

If you believe the classification assigned to your Commercial property is erroneous, please submit a written dispute to the Billing Division located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente CA 92672, or by email at waterbilling@san-clemente.org. The request must explain which classification is appropriate for your business use and describe the reason the use differs from the City's business license records. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (949) 361-8315.

2020-2023 Sewer Cost of Service Process

The City has initiated a comprehensive Cost-of-Service Study to examine the costs to provide sanitary sewer services. The Sewer Cost of Service Process began with the selection of Raftelis Consulting Engineers in February 2019. The Study will examine the costs and revenue requirements to operate and maintain the City's wastewater infrastructure. For more information and to review documents relevant to this process, click here.

2017 Water Rate Modifications and Cost of Service Process

The 2017 Cost of Service Study analyzed historical consumption data, costs to treat and deliver potable water and determined revenue requirements to fully recover the cost to operate the City's water utility service. Water rates for both the fixed meter charge and variable consumption charges were established for a five-year period. Additionally, a wholesale water supply charge was established to decouple the wholesale water costs from the City's rate structure. The water supply charge is subject to annual adjustment based on actual water costs from the City's wholesale water suppliers. For more information and to review documents relevant to this process, click here.

The current water rates were approved by City Council on November 7, 2017. Rate modifications were recommended based on the 2017 Cost of Service Study. Water rates have taken effect on January 1, 2018 and first appeared on the February 2018 billing statements. Rate adjustments will annually occur on January 1st of each year.

Historical Documentation

To review historical documentation for the water and sewer rates, click here.