Bakersfield residents west of Hwy. 99 to be notified of proposed water rate hike
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The City of Bakersfield said a notice will appear to most residents west of Highway 99 about a proposed water rate increase of about $11.50 per month, according to a statement from city officials. The notification, required by Proposition 218, will be sent out in the coming days by mail.
The proposed rate hike is not yet finalized, officials said. It will affect residents who use Bakersfield’s Domestic Water System, primarily those living west of Highway 99. No final decision has been made as of April 28, 2025.
The City of Bakersfield owns and manages the Domestic Water System, which provides drinking water to most of west Bakersfield. Although the city owns the infrastructure, it contracts with Cal Water to operate and maintain daily water services. The system is supplied by a combination of groundwater and surface water sources to ensure safe and sustainable water provision.
The cost of providing domestic water service is divided into several categories, including water supply, treatment, Cal Water operations, repair and maintenance, hydrant services, administration, and salaries.
Rising costs are leading to projected revenue shortfalls between $4.7 million and $13 million over the next five years.
To address these financial challenges, the City Council has selected a 5-year rate adjustment plan, known as Option 1. This plan includes a 34% increase in fiscal year 2026, followed by smaller increases in subsequent years, culminating in a total increase of 50.8%. The average customer bill is expected to rise by about $11.50 per month, based on a usage of 15 CCF and a 1-inch meter.
The city is currently under Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, with a mandated 40% statewide consumption reduction by 2040. To meet this target, Bakersfield is investing in conservation efforts and public education.
Residents will have the opportunity to protest the proposed rate increases as part of the Proposition 218 process. Only property owners on record may file a protest, which must include their full name, signature, property address, and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). Protests can be mailed or delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
A public hearing on the water rate increase is scheduled for June 11, 2025, at the City Council Meeting.
The City of Bakersfield previously proposed residential sewer rates to increase from $239 to $950 per year on April 16. That proposal was recommended to be rescinded by the city manager days later during an April 23 city board meeting.
For more information on the proposal or how to protest the hike, visit bakersfieldcity.us.