Photo Credit: Water Resources Economics / City of Pleasanton / Proposed sewer rate increases for residential homes in the city.
(PLEASANTON, Calif.) – Single-family homeowners in the City of Pleasanton could possibly see their sewer collection charges double in 2027 due to a proposal that is headed for a public hearing and a potential vote by the City Council on November 17.
According to the Water Resources Economics report at a City Council meeting on June 2, 2026, the bimonthly charge for a single-family home could rise from the current $31.53 to $57.03 starting January 1, 2027 if approved. Following annual increases could increase to $62.74 in 2028, $69.02 in 2029 and $75.93 in 2030. Rates for condos would also increase from $21.77 to $39.51 in the first year, while rates for multifamily homes would increase from $16.58 to approximately $39.51.
During the City Council meeting on June 2, Water Resources Economics LLC, who were contracted by the city to complete a sewer project plan, stated that the goals of the proposed sewer rate structure would simplify the structure and align with cost-of-service principles. Commercial and industrial locations will have one collection rate.
“23% of our sewer system is between 56 and 75 years old. When you drop it down to the next tier, 73% of our sewer system is more than 36 years old,” said Mayor Jack Balch. “The rate structure will be adjusted to be based upon who generates the sewer flows.
The move would also implement connection fees, which are one-time charges for new developments to connect with the sewer system of the city.
According to city officials, the increase in the sewer rates are necessary to fund work on a sewer system that is aging. In recent years, rates have only increased by a small amount based on the Consumer Price Index, which totaled $5.58 since 2019. This approach was not successful when it came to rising costs and regulatory requirements.
The 2026 Sewer Rate Study prepared by Water Resources Economics was accepted by the City Council in July. It was the City of Pleasanton’s first cost-of-service analysis for the specific utility, and supported a multi-year financial plan tied to a Sewer System Management Plan and a long-term Capital Improvement Plan.
According to the City of Pleasanton, “Sewer rates pay to operate, repair and replace the system, much of which was built decades ago and needs significant rehabilitation and replacement.”
Residents have opposed the rate increase. Arguing that both the size and pace of the increase is too much. At a City Council meeting on October 20, Pleasanton resident Andrew Blythe supported a reliable system, but did not believe that the proposal was fair.
“I reject the proposal. Sewer rates, including the first-year jump, which is an 80% jump,” said Blythe. “I would support a slower phase-in, and I request the council not to adopt this proposal.”
Photo Credit: City of Pleasanton / Pleasanton resident Andrew Blythe expressing opposition for the proposed sewer rate increase.
The hearing for the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17 at the City Council Chamber in Pleasanton. According to the agenda, the hearing will also include proposed increases to one-time sewer connection fees for a new development.
If the proposal is approved, the new rates will take effect on January 1, 2027, with more steps happening each July 1. For more details on the sewer rates, it will be available on the City of Pleasanton’s sewer rate page on their website.
The decision will determine if Pleasanton will move forward with developing its sewer system in the following years.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at joel.m@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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