(Oct. 9, 2026) SCOTTS VALLEY, CA — The Scotts Valley Water District (District) today announced the Board of Directors voted to approve a rate increase to fund maintenance of aging infrastructure and future Capital Improvement Projects as well as pay ongoing operations
and maintenance costs.

The Board voted 4-0 at its regular meeting on Oct. 8, 2026, to adopt new water rates that increase incrementally annually for the next five years. The new rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. This decision came after the District followed a Proposition 218 process that included a
Community Meeting in August, community outreach, mailers sent to District customers and the opportunity for customers to object to the proposed changes.

“We’re committed to delivering clean, reliable and affordable water to the businesses and approximately 10,000 residents served by the Scotts Valley Water District through approximately 4,000 connections,” District General Manager Dave McNair said. “That work is supported in
large part by customer rates.”

A rate study was conducted earlier this year to assess the District’s operating and capital needs. That includes the cost of ongoing operations, maintenance of current infrastructure, replacing aging water mains and future projects to meet current and future needs of Scotts Valley.

Once in effect, the monthly cost to a single-family household — based on an average of 3,600 gallons used in a month — is estimated to be $99.34, an increase of $7.61. As part of the water rate changes approved by the Board, the “tiers” for water use will reduce from four to three and Rate Assistance and Qualifying Medical Needs usage assistance programs will be based on Tier 1 rates.

The District’s Board will evaluate the water rates and set increases annually based on District needs. In past years, the Board has sometimes implemented rates lower than previously adopted.

For more information about the new water rates, 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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