Proposed Water, Recycled Water & Sewer Rates

Proposed Water Rates

The proposed variable water rates would be billed based on total water used, per hundred cubic foot of use (ccf or 748 gallons). The Tier 1 width is designed to consider the available groundwater supply, which constitutes 85% of the City of Santa Ana’s water. The base monthly allocation for 5/8” x 3/4” customers, 21 ccf, would be adjusted for larger meter sizes based on the capacity ratios of those meters relative to the base meter. The proposed variable water rates and tier widths would be applied to all customers, regardless of customer class, based on that customer’s meter size.

Fixed water rates recover the costs necessary to operate and maintain a safe and reliable water system. These charges support ongoing maintenance, repair, and replacement of water pipes, pumps, and related facilities; water quality testing; meter reading; and customer service functions. These costs are incurred regardless of the volume of water a customer uses.

Variable charges are calculated based on the amount of water moving through a customer’s meter. These charges cover expenses such as purchased water, electricity, and treatment chemicals.

The City of Santa Ana purchases recycled water from Orange County Water District’s Green Acres Project, where treated wastewater is reused for irrigation and non-drinking purposes. This recycled water serves parks, schools, and other local sites. Recycled water is wastewater cleaned and reused to conserve drinking supplies and support sustainability.

For customers with a private fire service connection, this fixed fee covers the cost of providing and maintaining fire flow capacity in the water system.

Proposed Sewer Service Charges

The proposed sewer rates are based on customer meter size, regardless of customer class, and are developed by comparing the ratio of historical winter water use between each meter size.

Proposed FOG Charges

These rates apply to restaurants and other food-related businesses subject to the City of Santa Ana’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program, which reduces the number of local sewer line blockages and sewage overflows. Certain limited food preparation facilities may be exempt.