Proposition 218: Notice for Proposed Water and Sewer Rates

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Proposition 218 is an amendment to California's Constitution that requires government agencies and utilities to notify property owners of proposed changes to rates for services. A written notice must be sent to property owners 45 days prior to a scheduled public hearing regarding proposed changes. The SFPUC mailed all our registered property owners a Proposition 218 Notice to advise a public meeting will be held on May 23, 2023 regarding proposed water and sewer rates increase for fiscal years ending 2024-2026.

Our rates reflect the true cost of operating, maintaining, and upgrading San Francisco’s water and sewer systems. To continue delivering the services that San Franciscans depend on, the SFPUC is proposing water and sewer rate increases, effective July 1, 2023. The proposed new rates represent an average monthly bill increase of $12.69 each year for the average single-family residential household in San Francisco. That’s about 8.3% per year. Even with the proposed rate increase, the average customer’s water and sewer bill in San Francisco would still be less than current bills in Los Angeles and Santa Clara, and only slightly more than San Diego and San Jose.

Read the Public Notice in English, Spanish, Chinese or Filipino.

• Proposition 218 (English)
• Proposition 218 (Español)
• Proposition 218 (繁體中文 )
• Proposition 218 (Filipino)

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Rates

At the May 23, 2023 SFPUC Commission meeting, the proposed water and sewer rate increases will be voted on by SFPUC Commissioners. The SFPUC welcomes input from the community. Public comments can be made during this public hearing when the agenda item is discussed.

Customers also have the right to submit a written protest against the proposed water and sewer rates. The proposed rate increases will not take effect if the SFPUC receives written protests from a majority of the affected property owners and customers.

Written protests must be mailed to the SFPUC Commission Secretary at the address below or hand delivered to the Commission Secretary at the May 23, 2023 Commission public hearing in order to be counted. Protests may not be delivered electronically or verbally.

Any written protest must: (1) state that the identified property owner or customer is in opposition to the proposed rates increase; (2) provide the location of the identified parcel (by assessor’s parcel number, street address, or customer account); and (3) include the name and signature of the person submitting the protest. Only one protest may be registered per property.

Although oral comments at the public hearing will not qualify as a formal protest unless accompanied by a written protest.

Mail Protests to:
SFPUC Commission Secretary
525 Golden Gate Avenue, 13th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102

Under California Government Code section 53759, there is a 120-day statute of limitations for challenging any new, increased, or extended fee or charge. This statute of limitations applies to the water and sewer service rates and charges proposed in this notice. It also applies to future changes to water and sewer rates and charges.

For questions, email ratesinfo@sfwater.org.