BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code ? 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If "YES" Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code ? 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt Resolutions Setting Increased Groundwater Production, Raw Surface Water, Treated Water, and South County Recycled Water Charges for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
A. Adopt the Resolution DETERMINING GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; and
B. Adopt the Resolution DETERMINING RAW SURFACE WATER, TREATED WATER, AND SOUTH COUNTY RECYCLED WATER CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) annually considers adjusting the water charges necessary to provide a reliable water supply to Santa Clara County. Pursuant to Section 26.6 and 26.7 of the District Act, an annual public hearing is held before the Board on or before the fourth Tuesday of April to consider whether or not to levy a groundwater production charge, i.e., a charge on pumping groundwater. For surface water charges, the rate setting process is set forth in Board Resolution 12-10 and includes a formal protest procedure. If written protests are filed by a majority of affected surface water operators or property owners, the surface water charge for that zone will not be increased.
On April 14, 2026, the Board opened the public hearing on the proposed groundwater production charges, surface water charges, and recycled water charges for Fiscal Year 2026-27; the public hearing continued at a special board meeting held on April 22, 2026, and again at a regular board meeting on April 28, 2026. Public comments were accepted at all three meetings, and the public hearing was closed April 28, 2026, before adjourning the board meeting.
Valley remains in an era of investment driven by the need to rehabilitate infrastructure built decades ago, and to invest in new infrastructure in response to the increased probability of more frequent and prolonged droughts. A...
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