City of Mountain House
Home MenuHow Water & Sewer Rates Are Set
Proposition 218 is a California law that voters approved in 1996. It explains how cities must set water and sewer rates. Prop 218 helps make sure rates are fair, clearly explained, and based on the real cost to provide service.
What Prop 218 Ensures
- Rates must be tied to the actual cost of providing the service.
- Money collected for water and sewer can only be used for those services.
- Residents must receive clear information before rates change.
- There must be a public meeting where the rate study is explained.
In short, Prop 218 is about transparency and trust.
It makes sure people can understand:
- Why rates are changing
- What costs the City needs to cover
- How water and sewer systems are planned for the future
Why Rates May Change Over Time
Mountain House is growing, and our water and sewer systems must grow and stay reliable. Rates help pay for:
- Daily operation and maintenance
- Water treatment and wastewater cleaning
- Pipes, pumps, tanks, and long-term repairs
- Planning for drought and emergencies
As costs change, rates may need to change too, so the system stays safe and dependable.
Learn More
These documents explain the cost studies and planning that go into rate decisions:
These are shared so residents can see how the numbers are calculated and how future needs are planned for.
Questions?
We are here to help explain anything on this page.
Call: (209) 831-2300 | Email: mhutilities@sjgov.org