Board Confirms $784 Sewer Rate as Staff Warns of Rising Capital Costs

The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) Board of Directors met April 16 and unanimously confirmed a 4% sewer service charge increase to $784 per single-family residence — but the real news was what comes next. Staff disclosed that capital spending pressures now exceed projections by $25 million for next year alone and $140 million over the next decade, signaling sustained rate increases and an accelerated bond offering.

• Board confirms 4% sewer rate hike to $784 per home; staff warns future increases will likely hit 5% annually

• Two fee ordinances adopted unanimously after public hearings draw zero comments from 300 notified stakeholders

• District opposes AB 1997 housing permit bill containing "alarming language" that could let cities override utility authority

• Board backs new PFAS fertilizer regulation and below-market water reuse loan legislation

• $13M authorized for nutrient management demonstration that could reduce a $500M compliance cost estimate

• Miramonte High School senior presents award-winning solar wastewater technology with 95%+ ammonia recovery

The Board voted 5-0 to let the previously adopted 4% sewer service charge increase take effect July 1, 2026, bringing the annual rate for single-family residences to $784. The vote was a procedural confirmation — the two-year rate schedule was adopted last year under a Prop 218 process requiring a two-thirds supermajority — but this year's public hearing surfaced significantly more financial pressure than the Board anticipated when it set the trajectory.