2. When were the fees last increased?
Regional sewer (SRCSD) rates were increased in October 2005; local sewer (CSD-1) rates were increased in July 2006.
3. Will there be additional increases in the next few years?
Please see the SRCSD Projected Rates and CSD-1 Projected Rates charts for details. Please note that projections are not actual figures and could change slightly as each new fiscal year approaches.
4. How far ahead do the sanitation districts plan for projects?
The SRCSD and CSD-1 master plans extend to 2020. Good planning ensures that the existing system is well maintained and that sewer service can accommodate growth in the region. Our Master Plan is viewable online.
5. If my home is vacant, why do I still have to pay sewer fees?
Sewer service is a Sacramento County "mandatory service," regardless of building occupancy. To ensure fair pricing, fees are based on a flat-rate, shared-cost basis.
6. Who is paying for sewer infrastructure to accommodate all the new regional growth?
Both sanitation districts attempt to ensure that "growth pays for growth." Costs related to growth are paid by sewer impact, or hook-up, fees. These fees are charged to the developer and are usually passed on to the new property owner in the cost of the property.
7. Are any accommodations made for customers on fixed incomes?
Unfortunately, it is not legally feasible to offer discounted rates to fixed income customers. State law (Proposition 218) requires that all residents be charged equally for the actual cost of a municipal service. However, other revenue resources are used to provide funding for Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District's (SRCSD's) "Sewer Lifeline Rate Assistance Program" for qualifying low-income customers. For more information visit www.sewerlifeline.com or call 1-866-347-7743 for more information.
8. Are commercial customers affected by sewer rate increases?
Yes, commercial customers are billed based on the sewer rate for single-family residential dwellings, which is then multiplied by a factor(s) related to the wastewater characteristics for that particular type of business. So, if residential rates increase by say five percent, then commercial customers can also expect their rates to increase by five percent.
