NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED WATER AND
WASTEWATER RATES
Monday, June 2, 2025, 6:30 P.M.
Estero Municipal Improvement District
610 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404-2222
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
HAYWARD, CA
PERMIT #3335
The Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID)
provides water service to Foster City and a portion of the City of San Mateo immediately adjacent to the west,
referred to as the Mariners Island area. EMID provides
wastewater service to Foster City. State law allows EMID to follow the process described in this notice to set rates sufficient to cover costs of operating and maintaining the facilities needed to provide these services. EMID will hold a public hearing on June 2, 2025 at 6:30 pm to
consider approval of proposed updated water and
wastewater rates, to take effect on July 1, 2025. If the updated rates are approved, they will include annual
adjustments for cost of living for FY 2025-2026 to FY
2029-2030. The EMID Board will consider all information presented regarding the proposed rate changes, including any timely written objections and protests prior to making a decision.
The hearing will be held as a hybrid meeting in-person and by teleconference/video conference, subject to appropriate regulations. The meeting address is 620 Foster City
Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404. Final
teleconference/video conference information will be listed on the published agenda. The public may participate by
submitting comments via email to
[email protected] or by providing live verbal public comment by joining the meeting via teleconference and/or video conference, or in person. Instructions on how to join the meeting are included in the top portion of the agenda posted at: www.fostercity.org/agendasandminutes
.
Estero Municipal
Improvement District
Proposed Rate Changes
A Rate Study was prepared pursuant to governing law in
“Prop 218” (California Constitution Article XIII D, Section 6) identifying each parcel to be charged water and
wastewater rates, the amount of the rates, the basis
upon which the rate was calculated, and the reason for
the change in rates. Additional information regarding the proposed rates, including the Rate Study (prepared by
Bartle Wells Associates) and the Rate Setting
Procedures are available on the City’s website:
www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-and-
wastewater-rates.
How to Submit a Written Objection or Protest
Any objection OR protest must: (1) be on a paper writing identifying the name of the “customer of record” (either the property owner or a tenant directly liable to pay the rates), and the street address or other clear identification of the property subject to the rates; (2) be signed by the customer of record; and (3) comply with the relevant
requirements for a written objection or written protest (as outlined below and summarized in the Rate Setting
Procedures posted at
www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-and-
wastewater-rates.). Do not transmit objections or
protests via email or other electronic transmission. The main differences between an objections and a protest: a) the deadline for timely submission; b) the additional
information required for each; and c) a timely written
objection is required prior to bringing a legal challenge to the proposed rates.
Additional Requirements: Timely Written Objection
A timely written objection must specify the grounds for alleging that the proposed rates do not comply with Prop 218. The Rate Setting Procedures summarize the
relevant requirements of Prop 218, and the Rate Study
documents EMID’s compliance with Prop 218.
The deadline for written objections is May 15, 2025 at
5 pm. To be considered timely, such objections must be
received by the EMID City Clerk/District Secretary at the return address on this notice.
Additional Requirements: Timely Written Protest
A written protest must clearly state that the customer of record opposes the rate increase. To be considered
timely, a written protest must be received by the EMID
City Clerk/District Secretary at the return address on this notice prior to the close of the public testimony portion of the June 2, 2025 6:30 pm public hearing. Any timely
written objections (see above) will also be considered a timely written protest. Only one protest will be counted per parcel. Owners of multiple parcels may file one
protest for each parcel owned within EMID’s service
area. If timely written protests are received from
customers of record of a majority of parcels within the EMID service area, the proposed rate increase will not
be implemented.
Rate Assistance Program
The District may be able to offer Rate Assistance
discounts to qualifying customers. To learn more or to
apply, visit: www.fostercity.org/wwrap.
Water Conservation Tips
Water is a precious resource! Thank you for taking
steps to save water and lower your monthly bill.
• Switch from lawn to drought-tolerant landscape.
• Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth.
• Run only full loads in the clothes washer or
dishwasher.
• Fix leaks around your home
Water Conservation Rebates
Get money to help pay for water-saving changes at
your home or business. For information on water
conservation rebate programs, visit
www.fostercity.org/rebates.
You are hereby notified that in order to file a
judicial action or legal proceeding to challenge the
proposed water and wastewater rates, you must
file a timely written objection, and you must
commence the action or proceeding within 120
days of EMID’s approval of the rates. Failure to
submit a timely written objection bars any right to
challenge the proposed rates through a judicial
action or legal proceeding. (Gov Code Section
53759.1(c).) There is a 120-day statute of
limitations for challenging any new, increased, or
extended water fee, rate, or charge.
(Gov Code Section 53759.)
Wastewater Rates
Wastewater rates provide the revenue needed to pay for the staff, supplies and capital projects required to maintain the District’s wastewater collection and conveyance system. In addition, the District is in a partnership with the City of San Mateo to provide treatment of the District’s wastewater and approximately 24% of the capital improvement costs to expand the jointly-owned WWTP, for which the District is responsible for approximately $171.9 million. For details on projected EMID wastewater rates in FY 2025-2026 through FY 2029-2030 please visit:
www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-and-wastewater-rates.
EMID provides wastewater service to Foster City. If you receive water service from EMID in San Mateo, your wastewater service is provided through the City of San Mateo, not through EMID. For information on San Mateo wastewater, visit:
www.cityofsanmateo.org/1085/Sewer-Service-Charge.
Monthly Charge Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
Single Family $133.49 $133.49 $136.16 $138.88 $141.66 $144.49 Townhouse/
Duplex
(per unit)
$112.13 $112.13 $114.37 $116.66 $118.99 $121.37
Apt/Condo
(per unit)
$112.13 $112.13 $114.37 $116.66 $118.99 $121.37
Commercial
(per ccf)
High Strength $24.26 $24.26 $24.75 $25.25 $25.76 $26.28 Med/Domestic
Strength
$8.53 $8.53 $8.70 $8.87 $9.05 $9.23
Low Strength $5.61 $5.61 $5.72 $5.83 $5.95 $6.07
Water Rates and Pass-Through for Water Use Rates
Water rates include fixed water meter charges and water use charges.
Adjustments were required to provide necessary revenue for the maintenance, operational and capital costs associated with the water distribution enterprise. A significant driver for the proposed water use rate increases is projected increases in the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) wholesale water rate. Government Code section 53756 allows EMID to “pass through” changes to the wholesale cost to its customers. It is proposed that EMID implement a “pass-through” adjustment whereby changes by SFPUC to its rates in excess of the estimated increases will be reflected in EMID’s retail water rates during the 5-year period covered by this Notice. EMID customers will be notified of any such pass-through adjustments at least 30 days prior to the change in rates (on or after each July 1 of the 5-year period). Rates are presented per ccf (hundred cubic feet). Additional details regarding proposed water rates, including the formula for this pass-through rate can be found in the Rate Study here:
www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water-and-wastewater-rates.
Water Use Rates for Single-Family Residences
Single-family residences with responsibility for indoor (domestic) and outdoor (irrigation) water uses are placed in a tiered rate structure whereby the cost of water increases based on the amount of water used in a bi-monthly billing cycle as follows:
Per CCF Charge
Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
Tier 1—0 to 20 ccf $6.60 $6.80 $7.02 $7.29 $7.56 $7.84
Tier 2—Over 20 ccf $7.33 $7.56 $7.79 $8.08 $8.34 $8.59
Water Use Rates for Irrigation Customers
Irrigation customers with separate irrigation water meters are provided an individually-prepared water budget based on the square footage of landscaping being watered, whereby the cost of water increases for the amount of water used over the allotment. Customized reports through the year let customers know how they are doing in water use.
Per CCF
Charge Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
Monthly Water Consumption Budget
<= 100% $6.60 $6.80 $7.02 $7.29 $7.56 $7.84
> 100% $7.80 $7.76 $8.00 $8.29 $8.55 $8.79
Water Use Rates for Commercial Customers and Fire Line
Per CCF
Charge Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
All Usage $6.72 $6.92 $7.14 $ 7.41 $7.68 $7.96
Fixed Water Meter Rates
The fixed water meter charge ensures the continued safe delivery of water through the system. The meter ratios are based on meter size in compliance with the American Water Works Association.
Monthly
Charge Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
Domestic and/or Irrigation Customers
5/8” and 3/4” $28.85 $31.30 $33.80 $36.15 $38.70 $41.40 1” $48.08 $52.17 $56.33 $60.25 $64.50 $69.00
1.5” $115.40 $125.20 $135.20 $144.60 $154.80 $165.60
2” $153.87 $166.93 $180.27 $192.80 $206.40 $220.80
3” $336.58 $365.17 $394.33 $421.75 $451.50 $483.00
4” $605.85 $657.30 $709.80 $759.15 $812.70 $869.40
6” $1,346.33 $1,460.67 $1,577.33 $1,687.00 $1,806.00 $1,932.00 8”or greater $2,308.00 $2,504.00 $2,704.00 $2,892.00 $3,096.00 $3,312.00 Private Fire Service Protection Meter
1-1/12 & below $40.39 $43.82 $47.32 $50.61 $54.18 $57.96 2” $53.95 $58.53 $63.21 $67.60 $72.37 $77.42
3” $117.71 $127.70 $137.90 $147.49 $157.90 $168.91
4” $212.05 $230.06 $248.43 $265.70 $284.45 $304.29
6” $471.12 $511.13 $551.95 $590.33 $631.97 $676.06
8” or greater $807.80 $876.40 $946.40 $1,012.20 $1,083.60 $1,159.20Rates are presented per CCF. One (1) CCF =748 gallons
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Questions
If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact (650) 286-3270 or [email protected].
Water Use Rates for Multi-Family Residences (per living unit) Multi-family residences with responsibility for indoor water uses are placed in a tiered rate structure whereby the cost of water increases based on the amount of water used in a bi-monthly billing cycle as follows:
Per CCF
Charge Current
Proposed
FY 25-26
Proposed
FY 26-27
Proposed
FY 27-28
Proposed
FY 28-29
Proposed
FY 29-30
Tier 1—0 to 10 ccf $6.60 $6.80 $7.02 $7.29 $7.56 $7.84
Tier 2—Over 10 ccf $7.36 $7.54 $7.77 $8.06 $8.32 $8.57