Downieville Public Utility District Schedules Hearing on Water Rate Increase
The District cites revenue shortfalls and state water rules as reasons for the proposed higher charges.
A water pipe under the Highway 49 bridge in Downieville sprang a leak on March 19. The growing number of repairs needed by the aging water system was cited as a reason for higher rates.
DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Public Utility District has announced a public hearing to consider higher charges for treated water services. Notices, along with protest ballots, have been mailed to property owners and customers.
The proposal calls for a monthly minimum or standby charge of $40 for up to 4,000 gallons. An additional charge of $0.01 would apply for each gallon used above 4,000 gallons. Current rates set the standby charge at $25 per month for up to 5,000 gallons, with an overage rate of $0.005 per gallon beyond that amount.
The district experienced an operating revenue shortfall of $50,399 in calendar year 2025, and estimates indicate a revenue shortfall of about $45,560 for 2026. The district noted no reason to expect shortfalls of a similar size to end.
Several factors drive the financial pressures. “Revenue from water sales is down, and state curtailment law, while not being enforced, is in effect,” says the notice. California’s curtailment law allows the State Water Resources Control Board to order water districts to reduce or stop drawing water from rivers and streams when supplies run low during droughts. If enforced, the District could be limited in the amount of water it can sell, given that the system is entirely stream-fed.
Additionally, the current overage charge fails to cover the costs of producing and distributing treated water, as operational costs and new State mandates for the treatment plant have increased. The distribution system is also more than 40 years old, and major repairs continue to grow in number and extent.
The hearing will occur on May 7 at 6 PM in the Supervisors’ Chambers at the Downieville Courthouse. Any approved rate increases would become effective on July 1.
Property owners received protest ballots by mail. Completed forms and written comments must reach the Board of Directors by mail at Downieville Public Utility District, PO Box 444, Downieville, CA 95936, or in person at the hearing. Fax or email submissions will not be accepted. All protests require full completion of the ballot, and the signer must match Sierra County Assessor records or supply written evidence of authority. Only one protest counts per parcel.
The Board of Directors will announce the voting results at the District’s adjourned regular meeting on May 7. Protests from a majority of property owners will prevent the increase from being imposed. If protests fall short of a majority, the board intends to introduce an ordinance and vote to approve new rates. Adopted rates and charges will not exceed those proposed in the ballot.