San Francisco water and sewer rates jump 10.5% on Wednesday
A typical single-family bill rises from about $171 to $189 a month on July 1, with another jump to about $212 next year as San Francisco starts a 23% utility increase.
San Francisco households and businesses saw their water and sewer bills rise Wednesday, with the average single-family charge climbing from about $171 a month to about $189. The increase is the first slice of a 23% two-year rate hike approved by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in April, and another 12.5% increase is set for July 1, 2027.
By next summer, SFPUC estimates the same average bill will reach about $212 a month, adding more than $500 a year in costs for an average family once both increases are in place. Higher rates are needed to comply with new regulations and to pay for aging infrastructure, including water system parts that are nearly 100 years old and sewer lines in some areas that date back to the Gold Rush.
The commission approved the rate schedules on April 28 by roll call vote, with four commissioners in favor and none opposed, after a public hearing that morning in City Hall, Room 400. SFPUC posted notice of the hearing on March 27. The City Charter requires an independent rate study at least every five years, and the last major water and sewer study was completed in 2023.
The SFPUC Rate Fairness Board found the new water and wastewater rates continue trends identified in that 2023 study and are needed to keep the enterprises financially sound, especially as wastewater capital work expands. The wastewater proposal continues the phase-in of the stormwater charge. The money supports 24/7 operations, routine maintenance, emergency repairs, infrastructure upgrades, conveyance and treatment, environmental monitoring, and watershed and land management.
SFPUC's Customer Assistance Program can provide eligible low-income households with a 25% or 40% discount on water and sewer charges. Enrolled customers are also protected from water shutoffs and liens for utility debt for one year after admission.
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