TO: HONORABLE MAYOR FROM: Jeff Provenzano
AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: May 29, 2025
Approved Date
5/29/30
COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2, 4, 7, 8
SUPPLEMENTAL
SUBJECT: Public Hearing on San José Municipal Water System Potable (Drinking) and Recycled Water Rates and Charges
REASON FOR SUPPLEMENTAL
This supplemental memorandum reports on the written protests received in response to public notices regarding proposed San José Municipal Water System rates, effective July 1, 2025.
ANALYSIS
Public notices were mailed to 26,864 potable water customers and 265 recycled water customers advising them that a public hearing would be held on June 3, 2025, regarding City Council consideration of San José Municipal Water System rates proposed to take effect July 1, 2025. In accordance with Proposition 218, customers were given at least 45 days to file written protests of the proposed rate increase.
As of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the City Clerk’s Office has received 242 protests in response to the potable water public notice, which represents less than one percent of all customers impacted by the change in water retail rates. The City Clerk’s Office has not received any protests from recycled water customers in response to the public notice. Protest letters may be submitted through the close of the Public Hearing, at which point the City Clerk will provide a count of all protests received during the protest period.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 6/3/25
FILE: 25-589
ITEM: 6.3
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
May 29, 2025
Subject: Public Hearing on San José Municipal Water System Potable (Drinking) and Recycled Water Rates and Charges
In compliance with California Assembly Bill 2257 ‘Local government: property-related water and sewer fees and assessments: remedies, the City issued responses to property owners submitting protests (Attachment). Inclusion of this notice herein serves as the City’s response to any written protests received at the time of the hearing.
/s/
Jeff Provenzano
Director, Environmental Services
For questions, please contact Jeff Provenzano, Director, Environmental Services Department, at [email protected] or (408) 535-3500.
ATTACHMENT
Response to Water Protests Received
ATTACHMENT
RESPONSE TO WATER PROTESTS RECEIVED
Dear San José Property Owner/Customer:
This message is to acknowledge receipt of your written protest to the City of San José’s proposed Potable/Drinking Water utility rate increase proposal. We understand that this proposed increase is an additional cost to you. Here is some additional information about the need for it.
As stated in the rate notice you received, the proposed rate increase is required for San José Municipal Water System (SJMWS) to continue to deliver clean drinking water at full cost recovery to its customers.
The proposed rate changes will cover the increased cost of wholesale water from Valley Water and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), energy, and operations and maintenance expenses, amongst other costs.
Compared to other water retailers, SJMWS has historically provided water at some of the lowest rates in Santa Clara County. To view historical water rates, visit the City Council June 4, 2024 meeting agenda item 6.4. City San José makes every effort to reduce the need for rate adjustments and to keep costs low.
We value your rate proposal protest concern on this important matter impacting you and other San José residents. For more program information and utility cost savings, please find:
• Environmental Services Department’s Proposed Operating Budget, which will be available online on or about May 1
• Frequently Asked Questions on proposed utility rate increases • Annual Water Quality Report
• View Muni Water’s Spring Water Efficiency Postcard to see where your water dollar goes and water-saving tips
Should you wish to voice your concerns directly with San José City Council, a public hearing is scheduled at San José City Hall on Tuesday, June 3 at 1:30pm. Discussion on utility rates will occur as soon as the matter can be heard after the start of the meeting.
If you have additional specific questions that have not been addressed, please email [email protected] or call the City of San José Environmental Services Department at (408) 535-8550.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
City of San José