Increases would help fund improvements to Pleasanton’s aging sewer system.
The City of Pleasanton has officially initiated the formal public review process for proposed sewer rate updates over the next four years. The proposed increases are designed to help cover the cost of operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating the City’s sewer system.
The City Council voted Monday, July 27, to accept the 2026 Sewer Rate Study and schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. to consider the proposed rate updates. The Council also approved a draft Proposition 218 notice regarding the proposed changes, which will be mailed to all sewer customers in September.
The rates are based on the 2026 Sewer Rate Study, the first comprehensive sewer rate study and cost-of-service analysis conducted by the City. The study evaluated long-term infrastructure needs, funding requirements, and how costs are allocated among different customer types based on wastewater use. The study also recommended simplifying the City’s commercial rate structure and combining condominium and multifamily residential customers into a single rate category.
Pleasanton’s sewer system operates around the clock, safely collecting wastewater and protecting public health and the environment. Sewer rates pay to operate, repair, and replace the system, much of which was built decades ago and needs significant rehabilitation and replacement. Historically, the City has adjusted its sewer collection rates annually based only on inflation, resulting in a total increase of just $5.58 since 2019. These increases have not kept pace with growing operating costs, rising regulatory requirements, and the long-term needs of the aging system.
Pleasanton sewer bills include the City’s sewer collection rates and pass-through charges from its regional partners, including the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) and the City of Livermore, which set their own rates for wastewater treatment and disposal.
Based on the sewer rate study, a typical single-family residential customer would see an increase in the City’s fixed sewer collection charge of approximately $25.33 per bimonthly billing cycle in the first year, or $12.67 per month, followed by more modest increases over the following three years.
The study also proposes updated rates for commercial and industrial customers, including restaurants and other businesses, based on the cost of providing sewer service to each customer type.
In addition, the City is proposing increased sewer connection fees, which are one-time charges paid when new development connects to the City’s sewer system. The connection fees are not part of the Proposition 218 public hearing and will be considered separately by the City Council at the same meeting.
Even with the proposed changes, Pleasanton’s sewer rates would remain comparable to rates charged by the City of Livermore and the Dublin San Ramon Services District.
The City began reviewing its sewer rates nearly two years ago. The process included adopting a Sewer System Management Plan, approving a Long-Term Sewer Capital Improvement Plan, and completing a Financial Plan. Together, this work examined the system’s long-term funding needs and whether rates reflect the cost of serving different customer groups.
As part of the Proposition 218 process, the City will mail a notice describing the proposed rates to every property owner and sewer customer. Prior to the public hearing, customers will have an opportunity to submit a written protest and/or objection to the proposed rates and rate determination process as required under California law.
For more information, view the Sewer Rate Study webinar recording, visit PleasantonWater.com/SewerRates, sign up for the City’s Pipeline e-newsletter, or follow the City on Facebook and Instagram.