South San Joaquin irrigation customers will likely see an increase in fixed rates and water charges in 2027.
The SSJID board will consider increasing charges when they meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the district office.
The fixed rate — which is also the minimum charge — would go from $60 to $65.
The tier one water volume charge for less than 48 inches will go from $10 to $10.75 per acre foot. The second tier charge — anything above 47 inches per acre foot — will jump from $17.50 to $18.25.
The rate hike was part a five-year plan adopted in 2023 when the first irrigation rate hikes since 2000 were put in place.
They were designed to help cover ongoing operating costs and position the SSJID to modernize and upgrade aging water conveyance facilities.
The five-year rate structure adopted in 2023 is projected to allow the 117-year-old agency to continue providing a dependable water supply and dependable service to agricultural customers while maintaining long-term financial stability.
The decision came after a comprehensive Proposition 218 process, which gave customers and property owners a chance to participate, and file a written protest if they opposed the proposed rates.
Out of 3,257 eligible parcels in 2023, a total of 332 protest ballots were received.
Results from a Cost-of-Service Study conducted by an independent financial expert, along with the District’s Water Master Plan (WMP), confirmed the need to raise rates.
Subsequent increases through 2028 will occur annually, and must be confirmed by the SSJID Board each year prior to going into effect. The Board has the option to reduce the rate increase amount each year.
The SSJID was established in 1909 and is headquartered in Manteca.
The district provides agricultural irrigation water to over 50,000 acres surrounding Escalon, Ripon and Manteca, and wholesale drinking water to over 215,000 residents in Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, and in the future, Escalon.
SSJID, along with Oakdale Irrigation District, owns and operates the Tri-Dam Project, a series of storage reservoirs and electric generation facilities that produce zero-carbon hydropower in the Stanislaus River watershed.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
