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, Surface Water, Treated Water, and South County Recycled Water Charges for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Adopt the Resolution DETERMINING GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026; and
B. Adopt the Resolution DETERMINING SURFACE WATER, TREATED WATER, AND SOUTH COUNTY RECYCLED WATER CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.
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 8, 2025, the Board opened the public hearing on the proposed groundwater production charges, surface water charges, and recycled water charges for Fiscal Year 2025-26; the public hearing continued at special board meetings held on April 25, 2025, and again on May 16, 2025. Public comments were accepted at all three meetings, and the public hearing was closed May 16, 2025, before adjourning the board meeting.
Valley Water continues to be in an era of investment. Climate change has brought the likelihood of more frequent and prolonged droughts and the need for new infrastructure investments. Accordingly, planning work continues on efforts to expand local water storage at Pac...
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