Water Rate Study

Yes. The rates are based on an independent Cost of Service Study and comply with Proposition 218’s legal requirement that each customer pays their fair share. Rates are not based on income and cannot legally be adjusted for financial hardship.

The District has already reduced costs where possible and runs with a lean staff of fewer than 50 serving 22,000 connections. Further cuts would compromise service. Rates only cover 65% of needed projects—the rest is supplemented with planned financing and potential grants.

No. BCVWD is a not-for-profit public agency. State law mandates that all water charges reflect only the actual cost of service.

Customer Service would be happy to answer any questions about the rates or your service.
Please contact us at :
• Phone: (951) 845-9581
• Email: info@bcvwd.gov
• Address: 560 Magnolia Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223 (Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

More information about the rate study can be found at https://bcvwd.gov/water-rate-study/

Submit a written protest with:
• Your name
• Property address or parcel number
• Signature
• Mail or hand-deliver it before or during the hearing on April 24, 2025, 6:00 PM, at 560 Magnolia Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223
📌 Note: Emails and verbal objections will not be counted under Proposition 218.

Revenue will be allocated to:
• Pipeline and well replacements.
• Emergency preparedness upgrades.
• Maintenance of aging infrastructure.
• Increased costs for imported water and energy.
• Compliance with regulations (e.g., Chromium-6, PFAS)
• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)

The rate change will apply to both the flat rate and water consumption charges, including pass-through costs, effective May 1, 2025. An example of the changes is listed below.
For an average single-family home using 30 units of water (CCF):
• With a 5/8” meter: +$15.97 per billing cycle (~$7.99/month)
• With a 1” meter: +$21.01 per billing cycle (~$10.51/month)
You can use the online bill estimator on our website www.bcvwd.gov to get a customized projection.

Yes. BCVWD has made the 2024 Water Rate Study available on its website. The District also posts on its website the Operating Budgets for each year, starting in 2013. The Operating Budgets fully disclose staff salaries, operational expenses, future projects, and financial assumptions.

• Using reserves: Would leave the District financially vulnerable.
• Seeking grants/loans: Actively pursued, but limited and not guaranteed.
• Restructuring rates: Tiered and equitable structures have already been implemented.

Though BCVWD cannot legally offer a rate assistance program, residents may:
• Use conservation incentives to reduce water use and lower bills
• Apply for statewide utility relief programs
• Request a payment plan . You may request a payment plan for a single billing period. Please note that only one active payment plan is allowed at a time.

Proposition 218 is a California law that ensures transparency in rate-setting. It requires water agencies to notify property owners about proposed rate changes and allow them to protest. BCVWD has strictly adhered to these procedures, including written notices, public meetings, and a protest hearing process. The protest deadline is April 24, 2025.

A public hearing will be held on April 24, 2025, to discuss the proposed rates. If approved, the new rates will begin on May 1, 2025, and will be adjusted annually on January 1st through 2029.

Attend the Public Hearing on April 24, 2025, and/or the Community Meeting on April 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the BCVWD District Office. Additional resources are at www.bcvwd.gov.