There could be some relief on the way from pending higher water and sewer rates that have not been adjusted in almost 15 years.

And while city leaders promised details in the coming weeks, under the law those that will qualify for discounted rates will be relatively few.

Law restricts such discounts to households with very low income.

Simply being on a fixed income such as Social Security won’t be enough.

There is a formula that determines how cities — based on regional poverty rate information and household size — can legally offer such discounts that will require income verification.

City staff shared news of a discount sewer and water fee program being developed on Tuesday when they announced three upcoming community workshops — including one 100 percent on Facebook — to explain the need for the rate increases that are targeted to go into effect May 15.

The first workshop conducted last Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Manteca Transit center was attended with only 10 residents.

The upcoming workshops are:

*Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. live on the city’s Facebook page.

*Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Manteca Transit Center, 220 Moffat Blvd.

*Wednesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the Manteca Transit Center, 220 Moffat Blvd.

Currently, the lowest flat water rate for households based on those with a 3/4 inch connection is $17.15. That rate would go to $21.24 on May 15, 2025, $27.60 on July 1, 2026, $32.57 on July 1, 2027, and $34.53 on July 1, 2028.

Actual water use is charged per hundred cubic feet.

The current rate structure charges $1.03 per HCF up to 20 HCF. The charge is $1.35 per HCF for up to 300 HCF. After that, the per HCF charge goes to $2.72 initially.

It would start at $2.47 per HCF on May 15, 2025. It would then go to $3.22 on July 1, 2026, $3.80 on July 1, 2027, and $4.03 on July 1, 2028.

The proposed sewer rate hike goes from the current $43.40 a month to $72.50 a month in three incremental steps by July 1, 2028 

The first City Council hearing on the rate hike is March 18 and the second is April 15.

If 50 percent plus one of the 24,000 plus utility customers don’t indicate they are against the rate hikes in writing, the council can proceed.

The fees would be put in place May 15.

Given the high threshold, it is fairly unlikely enough written protests would be submitted to stop the rate hikes.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com