Proposed 2026 Wastewater Rate Increase

Notice of Public Hearing

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Location: DSRSD District Office, 7051 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568

DSRSD's wastewater rates are comprised of Local (collection) and Regional (treatment) wastewater rates. The District inspects, maintains, and repairs 233 miles of pipeline, over 6800 manholes, and one pump station throughout its collection system in the Cities of Dublin and San Ramon. At the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), DSRSD treats over 4.6 billion gallons of wastewater annually from homes, businesses, and industries within the cities of Dublin, San Ramon and Pleasanton. 

The District periodically conducts a wastewater cost of service study to:

  • ensure adequate revenue to fund operations, maintenance, and capital replacement needs for both Local and Regional wastewater systems
  • maintain sufficient reserve funds
  • ensure customers are equitably charged for the services they receive

In 2026, DSRSD completed the most recent "STUDY," which recommended an increase to wastewater rates for all wastewater customers for the next five fiscal years, starting July 1, 2026. Some of the major factors contributing to the recommended increase include new or increasing government regulations, personnel costs, capital expenditures, and higher chemical and power costs. DSRSD’s approach - incremental rate adjustments - helps keep rates relatively stable over time, thus protecting ratepayers from large increases in the future. As shown in the graph below, DSRSD's wastewater rates will remain one of the lowest in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, even if the proposed rate increase is adopted.

[insert graphic showing Bay Area Sewer Service Charges]

In accordance with CA State law, DSRSD distributed a "NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING" to all wastewater customers and scheduled a public hearing at the regularly scheduled DSRSD Board meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to consider increases to wastewater rates effective July 1, 2026, July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029,and July 1, 2030.

2 policies with rates

Operating Budget and CIP budget linked to show the work

Frequently Asked Questions

How are wastewater services costs calculated?

What is the District's wastewater budget for next year (Fiscal Year 2027)?

What are some of the capital projects that will be funded by this rate increase?

  • Cogeneration Engine Replacement ($44 million): These cogeneration engines utilize a blend of renewable biogas– a natural byproduct of the District’s wastewater treatment process – and natural gas to cost-effectively produce electricity for the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The District is implementing a project to install more efficient cogeneration engines that would increase the District's energy production and lower greenhouse gas emissions at the plant. The existing cogeneration engines were installed in the early 1980s and are at the end of their useful life.
  • Camp Parks Sewer Rehabilitation – 8th to 10th Streets $4.3 million: rehabilitate approximately 6,300 feet of aging clay sewer pipe ranging from 6-inch to 12-inch diameter to improve reliability and reduce maintenance needs.
  • Hypochlorite Building Replacement $4.7 million: The existing building, constructed in 1992, is deteriorating and is no longer compliant with seismic regulations. The facility will be replaced with a new building, including design and construction services, to meet current standards and ensure safe chemical storage.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant HVAC Replacement $4.1 million: upgrade all HVAC components in Buildings A and T at the wastewater treatment plant, clean ductwork, and replace laboratory fume hoods and related equipment in Building A.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements – Phase 1 $3.7 million: replace outdated motor control centers and an electrical distribution panel with new equipment equipment in order to address inadequate short-circuit ratings and aging components while ensuring reliability for future expansions.
  • Biogas Flare Improvements $3.5 million: install a new biogas flare at the wastewater treatment plant. The biogas flare serves as an essential abatement device for biogas produced in the digesters; the existing flare is nearing the end of its useful life.

What is the difference between a written protest and a written objection?

 
Written Objective
Written protest 
Submittal Date 

April 17, 2026

5 p.m.

May 5, 2026

close of public hearing
Additional
Information

must state opposition to the rate increase

specify the reasoning that the rates are not compliant with Proposition 218

must state opposition to the rate increase
 Allows for subsequent legal challenges  Yes No

 

Any timeline written object submitted will also be considered to be a timely written protest.

How do I submit a written protest?

Any property owner or tenant-customer may submit a written protest. Only one protest per parcel will be counted. A valid written protest must:

  1. Identify the property (parcel number, address, or account number)
  2. Identify the property owner or tenant-customer
  3. Bear the property owner or tenant’s signature unless sent by property owner via email
  4. Comply with the relevant requirements for a written objection or written protest as outlined below. 

A written protest must clearly state that the property owner or tenant opposes the rate adjustments. Only one protest will be counted per parcel.

The deadline for written protests is May 5, 2026. To be considered timely, a written protest must be received by DSRSD at the submittal location listed below, before the close of the public hearing. Any timely written objection submitted will also be considered to be a timely written protest. 

If timely written protests are received from owners of a majority of parcels within the DSRSD service area, the proposed rate adjustments will not be implemented. 

Pursuant to California Government Code section 53759 there is a 120-day statute of limitations for challenging any new, increased, or extended fee or charge. 

Submittal Location
  • Mail or In Person: DSRSD – Protest of Proposed Changes to Wastewater Rates, 7051 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
  •  Email: rates@dsrsd.com
  •  Fax: (925) 829-1180 



How do I submit a written objection?

Any property owner or tenant-customer may submit a written protest or objection. A valid written protest or objection must:

  1. Identify the property (parcel number, address, or account number)
  2. Identify the property owner or tenant-customer
  3. Bear the property owner or tenant’s signature unless sent by property owner via email
  4. Comply with the relevant requirements for a written objection or written protest as outlined below. 

A written objection must specify the grounds for alleging that the proposed rates do not comply with Proposition 218. 

The deadline for written objections is April 17, 2026, at 5pm. To be considered timely, such objection must be received by DSRSD at the submittal location listed below, prior to the deadline.  

Failure to submit a timely written objection bars any right to challenge the proposed rates through a legal proceeding. Gov. Code section 53759.1(c). 

Submittal Location
  • Mail or In Person: DSRSD – Protest of Proposed Changes to Wastewater Rates, 7051 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568 
  • Email: rates@dsrsd.com
  • Fax: (925) 829-1180 


 

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