How much will sewer rates increase?
The Trustees approved a 3-year rate increase: a 10% increase in July 2006, a 6% increase in July 2007, and a 3% increase in July 2008.

How will the rates affect my sewer bill?
Every month, homes, schools and businesses in the VSFCD service area use water to run faucets, toilets, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. After being used, that wastewater flows through hundreds of miles of sewer pipes to the wastewater treatment plant. At the plant, the water is tested, treated following strict regulations and then finally released to the Carquinez Strait. Other than the small lateral sewer pipes that connect individual buildings to sewer main lines, the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District is responsible for transporting and treating the wastewater all the way to the Bay. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to public health and the health of the San Francisco Bay.

Impact of 2006 sewer rate increase for Residential Customers* 

Rate Increase Effective	Current Monthly Rates	Increased Monthly Rates	Increase Per Month
July 1, 2006	$29.80	$ 32.78	$2.98

Impact of 2007 sewer rate increase for Residential Customers*

Rate Increase Effective	Current Monthly Rates	New Monthly Rates	Increase Per Month
July 1, 2007	$32.78	$34.75	$1.97

Impact of 2008 sewer rate increase for Residential Customers*

Rate Increase Effective	Current Monthly Rates	New Monthly Rates	Increase Per Month
July 1, 2008	$34.75	$35.79	$1.04

* Sewer rates will increase for commercial and industrial customers as well; these will also increase by 10% and 6% respectively. Rates for these customers are based on wintertime water consumption.

What do my sewer rates pay for?
Sewer service charges pay for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of sewage collection, treatment, and disposal facilities for the VSFCD service area. The Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District is responsible for administering sewer and storm water collection, in addition to operating the wastewater treatment plant. The sewage treatment plant reduces pollution in the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean by treating sanitary sewage and storm water runoff that would otherwise flow to the Bay and Ocean.

Why is a sewer rate increase necessary?
The District previously raised a $20 million bond to fund the court-ordered construction of a 9-million gallon tank, designed to prevent sewer overflows during heavy storms. In addition, sewer service revenues under the existing rate structure are not sufficient to continue to operate, maintain and implement the necessary capital improvements needed to upgrade VSFCD’s sewer and storm system that protects public health and property.

Who approves changes to the VSFCD sewer service charges?
The Trustees of Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District, who are Vallejo’s city council members plus one member from the County Board of Supervisors. Prior to the Trustees’ approval, the issue was reviewed in depth and approved by the District’s Citizens Advisory Committee, a group of Vallejo residents who act in a volunteer advisory capacity. Two public hearings were also held.

Are businesses and industry also having their rates increased?
Yes. Commercial and industrial customers also had their rates increased by 10%, 6% and 3% in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. As these clients pay based on wintertime water consumption rather than the residential flat fee, their rates will vary.

Will my bill go up the full amount immediately?
The sewer rate increase will be pro-rated based on when you are billed. You will notice an increase in the July-August billing cycle; the full impact of the rate increase will be reflected in your September-October bill.

Does VSFCD provide assistance for low-income customers?
Yes, VSFCD offers a reduced rate program to customers who participate in PG&E’s CARE program. The District’s customers are property owners of record and do not include rental tenants. The District uses PG&E’s CARE program as the basis for eligibility for our reduced rate program. For more information visit the District’s Customer Service page at www.vsfcd.com.

How do VSFCD’s sewer rates compare with fees from other nearby sewer districts?
Monthly sewer rates for nearby wastewater agencies are as follows: