The SFID Board of Directors has unanimously approved an updated cost structure and water rate increase for all customers. A 2% rate increase will go into effect on March 1. This 2% increase is for SFID costs related to construction projects, maintenance of pipelines and associated infrastructure, and increased costs related to the treatment of water. During a 10-month process, the Board of Directors evaluated rate structures and the components of cost drivers before deciding on the rate increase. These cost drivers include the loss of local water supply from Lake Hodges and increased costs for the goods and services necessary to maintain system infrastructure and treat water for the community.
The new rate structure will be implemented starting March 1, and some customers will see the impact on their bills beginning in May. A rate calculator is available on the SFID website for customers to estimate the potential bill increase.
On January 1 of this year, customers also saw an 7% increase to their bills because of the pass-through charges from the San Diego County Water Authority, the county’s wholesale water agency. SFID is more reliant on water from SDCWA currently due to the loss of local water from Lake Hodges. SFID filed a lawsuit against the City of San Diego in September 2024 citing negligent maintenance resulted in the lowered lake restriction that continues to limit the amount of water that can be pulled from the lake. SFID continues to try to work with the City of San Diego to maximize the use of water from Lake Hodges whenever possible.
We understand that rate increases are never welcome, but we appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we work to ensure our water infrastructure is safe and reliable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are interested in attending a tour of the R.E. Badger Treatment Plant to learn more about how your water is treated and brought to your home, please contact us at tpenunuri@sfidwater.org
Please contact customer service at customerservice@sfidwater.org if you are having issues paying your bill, have questions about service or would like more information on water-efficient rebates for your home and business.