(July 29, 2026) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA — The Scotts Valley Water District (District) today announced the Board of Directors voted to move forward with Proposition 218 (Prop 218) process for a proposed rate increase to fund the maintenance of aging infrastructure and future Capital Improvement Projects as well as pay ongoing operations and maintenance costs.

The Board approved moving forward with the Prop 218 process at its meeting on June 11, 2026. The proposed rate increase is the result of a rate study that began in November 2025 and included five public meetings.

A Prop 218 notice will be sent to customers in late July. Per Prop 218, property owners and customers may file written protests about the proposed rate increase. All written protests must be received by the District prior to the close of the public hearing on Oct. 8, 2026.

Under the proposed rates, the median household’s monthly bill — based on 3,600 gallons of water used in a month — is expected to increase by $7.61.

The District will hold two more public meetings focused on the proposed rate increase:

Community Meeting

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Santa Margarita Community Room, 2 Civic Center Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Public Hearing

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

6 p.m.

Santa Margarita Community Room, 2 Civic Center Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Water rates support fixed operational costs of the water district, including maintenance, upgrades, customer service and staffing. A large portion of the annual fixed costs is funded through rates. The District is proposing a rate increase over a five-year period. The exact water rate increase for each customer depends on meter size, user category and the amount of water used.

In addition to the Prop 218 process, the District also adopted an exhaustion of administrative remedies that allows property owners and customers to file an additional objection to the proposed rate study under AB 2257. The objections must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2026.

For more information about the proposed rate increase, visit www.svwd.org/ratestudy.

ABOUT SCOTTS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

Scotts Valley Water District is a public agency providing water service over six square miles, including most of the City of Scotts Valley and a portion of the unincorporated areas north of the city limits. The community of Scotts Valley places a high value on livability, innovation and planning for the future. Scotts Valley Water.

The District is proud to play a vital role in supporting those efforts by providing a reliable, sustainable, high-quality water supply. Through partnership with our community, strategic investment in resources, and pursuit of new ideas, the Scotts Valley Water District is redefining its historic role to meet future challenges and turn them into opportunities. Learn more at www.svwd.org, Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor.

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