Water Rates

The City of Stockton is committed to providing the highest quality water at the lowest possible rates to approximately 49,000 residential and commercial connections in north and south Stockton.

In response to the Governor's Drought Emergency Declaration, the Stockton City Council adopted a Resolution declaring a Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency on July 12, 2022. Current watering guidelines and related information is available in the Water Conservation webpage.

Approved Adjustments to Water Rates

To meet this commitment, the City hired independent rate consultant HDR Engineering, Inc. to prepare a cost-of-service analysis and Water Rate Study Report (2021 Water Rate Study) to support a new five-year rate schedule that:

• Provides sufficient revenue to operate and maintain the City's water infrastructure and capital improvement projects;
• Reflects prudent financial planning criteria;
• Determines that rates are cost-based and equitable;
• Reflects the findings of the revenue requirement and cost-of-service analyses; and
• Meets the rate design goals and objectives of the City.

The 2021 Water Rate Study determines how customers equitably and fairly pay for the water services over a new five-year period.

How Are Water Rates Calculated?

The City's proposed water rate structure includes a fixed charge and a consumption charge.

• The fixed charge applies to all customer groups and is determined by the size of the meter serving the property. The fixed charge recovers a portion of the City’s fixed costs.
• The consumption charge is based on the amount of water consumed for each property, measured in hundred cubic feet (“CCF”). One CCF is equivalent to 748 gallons.

Drought Recovery Charges

• Drought Recovery Charges, previously known as "Drought Surcharges," are an additional charge per CCF that may be activated by a declared water shortage level pursuant to the City’s Urban Water Management Plan, such as a drought, a statewide order mandating water use reductions, or other natural disaster or event that results in a water shortage and an unforeseen drop in water demand.
• Stages of Water Conservation are defined in the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) 13.28, Water Conservation.

Private Fire Hydrant Service Charge and Private Fire Protection Service Charges

The City of Stockton applies a monthly Private Fire Hydrant Service Charge for hydrants that are specific to certain private businesses. A monthly Private Fire Protection Service Charge is also applied on certain properties that have a private fire service meter.

Approved Water Rate Adjustments - Additional Resources

• City of Stockton Water Rate Adjustment - July 2023
• City of Stockton Water Rate Adjustment - July 2022
• Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Adjustments to Water Rates
• Aviso de Audiencia Pública Sobre Ajustes Propuestos a las Tarifas de Aguas 
• 2021 Water Rate Study
• 2021 Summary of the City of Stockton Water Rate Study & Proposed Water Rate Adjustments Video (YouTube)
• Summary of Proposed Water Rates
• Frequently Asked Questions
• News Release - Proposed Water Rate Adjustment Virtual Community Meetings

Virtual Community Meetings About the Water Rate Adjustments

The City hosted two virtual community meetings on April 22, 2021, and May 4, 2021, to provide customers in the City of Stockton water service area more information and answer questions about the water rate adjustments.

• Invitation to Virtual Community Meetings about the Proposed Water Rate Adjustments

Current Water Rates

After a series of public notices and meetings, the City Council adopted at a Public Hearing on May 25, 2021, new water rates for the next five years. The following rates are effective on July 1, 2021. Water Use billed each month reflects water consumed in the prior month. The approved maximum water rate adjustments become effective July 1 of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

For additional information or questions, please contact Utility Billing Customer Service.

External Links

There are currently no external links.

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 5/30/2023