Under the proposal, a basic single family sewer bill in Riverside would rise $15.60 a month by July 2030, about $187 a year more than today, for homes outside pumping zones. The rates are only proposed and have not been adopted.
What the city decided
On September 22, the City Council received the proposed five year rate plan and directed staff to prepare public notices and arrange a Proposition 218 hearing. The motion carried unanimously, with one council member absent. Proposition 218 is the state process that lets affected owners and customers submit written protests before property related fees can increase. Staff say rates have not risen since fiscal year 2017/18 and that, without increases, the sewer fund risks falling below its bond requirements this fiscal year.
Where and who it affects
The proposal covers residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sewer customers in every Riverside ward. A pumping surcharge applies where sewage must be pumped to the treatment plant instead of flowing there by gravity. Of 100,020 residential customers, 26,962 are in pumping zones.
Customers of the Rubidoux, Edgemont and Jurupa Community Services Districts are not subject to these rates.
What it could mean for your property
For a basic single family home outside a pumping zone, the monthly bill would rise from $39.59 to $41.36 in January 2027, an increase of $1.77 a month. It would reach $55.19 in July 2030, which is $15.60 a month more than today.
In a pumping zone, the same home would go from $45.73 to $47.51 in January 2027 and $61.97 in July 2030, which is $16.24 a month more than today.
Basic multifamily bills outside pumping zones would rise from $35.73 to $49.67 a month by July 2030. In pumping zones, they would rise from $41.26 to $55.78 a month.
The proposal does not include financial help through the SHARE program. The documents do not say whether the council will add that assistance.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the property inside a sewer pumping zone?
- Which residential rate category applies to the property?
- Has the council adopted final rates since these documents were issued?
What happens next
The city must mail notices to affected ratepayers and hold a public hearing at least 45 days later. The hearing date, mailing date and protest deadline are not stated. A majority written protest would block the increases. Staff proposed community outreach events during the notice period and posting the plan on the city website.