Proposed Wastewater Rate Increase

Notice of Public Hearing(PDF, 3MB)

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 Monday, May 4, 2026, to consider increases to wastewater rates effective July 1, 2026, July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029,and July 1, 2030.

January 20, 2026 DSRSD Board Meeting Agenda Packet (First Reading of Cost of Service Study)

Summary: DSRSD staff and HDR Engineering, Inc. presented preliminary results of the draft 2026 study, including an initial five-year schedule of proposed rate increases to the DSRSD Board of Directors. After Board discussion, the Board provided feedback and direction to update the 2026 Cost of Service Study.

February 17, 2026 DSRSD Board Meeting Agenda Packet (Second Reading of Cost of Service Study)

Summary: Based on Board direction provided during the January 20, 2026 meeting and further refinements made to DSRSD's long-term financial models, HDR Engineering, Inc. and DSRSD staff presented a final draft of the 2026 Cost of Service Study and the proposed five-year rate schedule. 

Cost of Service Study(PDF, 2MB)

The 2026 Cost of Service Study compares revenues and expenses, and proportionally distributes the costs amongst the District's customer types. The Cost of Service Study also presents a recommended five-year rate schedule for DSRSD wastewater customers.

The proposed rates are in compliance with Proposition 218 legal requirements.

Upon request, DSRSD will provide a paper copy of the study. Please email rates@dsrsd.com to request a paper copy of the study and include the following information in the body of the email:

• service location address
• DSRSD customer number
• mailing address (if different than the service location)

DSRSD's wastewater rates are made up of two different systems:

• Local Wastewater (Collection): DSRSD inspects, maintains, and repairs an extensive network of 233 miles of pipelines, more than 6,000 manholes, and a pump station serving Dublin and southern San Ramon.
• Regional Wastewater (Treatment): Each year, DSRSD treats over 4.6 billion gallons of wastewater from homes, businesses and industries in Dublin, southern San Ramon, and Pleasanton (by contract) at its Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

DSRSD's Strategic Plan(PDF, 7MB) includes a goal to manage the District's finances while maintaining fair and reasonable water and wastewater rates. To support this goal, the District periodically reviews the costs of providing wastewater service to ensure we have enough revenue to operate, maintain, and upgrade both the Regional (treatment and disposal) and Local (collection) wastewater systems.

If adopted by the Board, the proposed wastewater rates will go into effect on July 1, 2026. For customers who pay their wastewater bill with their property taxes, they will see the new rates applied on the July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 property tax bill.

The 2026 Cost of Service Study(PDF, 2MB) identified several major factors that are driving the need to increase wastewater rates, such as:

• allocation of additional funding to replace critical wastewater equipment, infrastructure, and facilities
• slower growth in District revenues as the DSRSD service area approaches build-out
• increasing expenses, such as higher utility and chemical costs and personnel costs
• new and stricter environmental regulations, which require additional specialized equipment, training, testing and monitoring

DSRSD uses gradual rate adjustments to keep customer rates stable while still raising the funds necessary to support these additional costs.

Operating costs for DSRSD's wastewater systems include personnel costs, materials and services, contracted services, and other expenses. For FY2027, the cost to operate DSRSD's Local wastewater system is $5.85 million, and the cost to operate DSRSD's Regional wastewater system is $31.74 million. Additional detail on these costs can be found in DSRSD's FY2026-27 Operating Budget(PDF, 21MB).

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)

This project rehabilitates 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)

This project upgrades 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)

This project replaces 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)

This project installs 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.

The main differences are:

• the deadline for timely submission
• the additional information required for a Written Objection
• a valid, timely Written Objection is required to initiate a legal challenge to the rates, if adopted

Any timely Written Objection submitted will also be considered to be a timely Written Protest.

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 4, 2026. If timely Written Protests are received from owners or tenant-customers representing the majority of parcels within the DSRSD service area, the proposed rate increases will not be implemented. 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. 

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 

Pursuant to California Government Code section 53759(a), there is a 120-day statute of limitations in which to challenge any new, increased, or extended fee or charge through a legal proceeding.

The deadline for Written Objections is April 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. To be considered timely, such objection must be received by DSRSD at the submittal location listed below, prior to the deadline.  

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 

Pursuant to California Government Code section 53759.1(c), failure to submit a timely Written Objections bars any right to challenge any new, increased, or extended fee or charge through a legal proceeding.