2023-24 Water and Wastewater Rates Studies

To keep pace with inflation and rising costs of providing safe, reliable water and sewer services, the City of Huntington Beach is conducting utility rates studies of its water and wastewater (sewer) services. Ideally, rate studies should be performed every 3-5 years. The City’s rates were last adjusted in 2019. Over the past 5 years, inflation has risen nearly 21% affecting the costs of providing these services.

The Water Master Plan will be on the May 15, 2024 CIAB/Public Works Commission agenda. To review the document, please click here.
The Sewer Master Plan is still in draft form but can be viewed by clicking here. Once it is finalized, it will go on the CIAB/Public Works Commission agenda. Check back for updates!

Some key examples of water infrastructure needs include:

• $8 million to replace the Peck Reservoir Roof
• $22 million for three new water wells
• $36 million to replace aging pipes throughout the City

Other key examples of important sewer infrastructure needs include:

• $7 million for aging pipe rehabilitation
• $17 million to replace sewer lift station
• $27 million in sewer infrastructure repairs

Financial consultants and City staff have been working diligently on a series of steps involving data evaluation and technical analyses to derive customer rates while considering customer impacts of any rate modifications. The goal of the rates studies is to ensure that the rates customers pay for water and sewer services are:

• Fair, equitable, and aligned with community values and priorities
• Sufficient to ensure the continued financial viability of City utilities
• Sufficient to enable critical maintenance and infrastructure investment to continue high levels of service while complying with ever more stringent regulatory requirements
• Aligned with best practices and in accordance with state law

The public is encouraged to follow the rates study process and learn more about your water and sewer services. Follow this page and join us at community and public meetings listed below to learn how rates are determined, California Proposition 218 requirements, and how the rates you pay are an investment in our critical infrastructure.

Stay Connected 

As the City conducts water and wastewater utility rates studies, we invite the community to learn more and provide input. Submit comments and questions via email to [email protected] or call the Public Works Department at (714) 536-5431.

Legal Legwork for Rate Setting Video


Spanish Version

Utility Rates 101 (Existing Utility Rates)


Calendar of Meetings/Open Houses

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