Sewer Service Charge

As part of the annual property tax bill, property owners pay a sewer service charge. This funds the sanitary sewer collection system running beneath our city, as well as the wastewater treatment plant that processes everything that goes down the drain. This charge is calculated directly from the volume of fresh water used by each parcel and the estimated intensity of the resulting wastewater. A per-dwelling unit fee also applies to residential properties, while the usage-based fee is significantly lower. The tabs below display the latest rates, information on how to calculate your total sewer charge, and additional documentation.
 

Latest News

On July 20, 2023, City Council approved the sewer rate increases for FY 23/24 through FY 27/28 following two public hearings as required by Proposition 218. In addition, notices were mailed out to every property owner of record in April 2023 containing all the rate information below.

Proposition 218 Sewer Notice

Past News


Because of recent changes to the Sewer Service Charge rate structure, residential customers might see a significant change on their bill this year. The charge used to be calculated strictly based on water use, which is how all commercial customers are charged. For Fiscal Year 2018-19, the usage based rate was reduced but a new fixed per-dwelling unit fee has been added. See the tables below for details. 
 
 These changes were approved by City Council on March 5, 2018 following two public hearings as required by Proposition 218. In addition, notices were mailed out to every property owner of record in January 2018 containing all the rate information below.
 
 This change was made to ensure reliable revenue as we begin construction on the new wastewater treatment plant and continue work on sewer infrastructure throughout our city. Previously, droughts caused swings in water use, which led to unstable sewer charge revenue just as these major capital projects started. This shift for residential customers aligns the City Sewer Service Charge with many agencies around the Bay Area in both structure and price for the customer. 
 
 Please also note that the City Sewer Service Charge matches the cost of providing sewer service, whereas Proposition 13 (1978) caps the increase of assessed property values to two percent per year. This means that your sewer charge can increase more quickly than your base property tax bill. If you have owned your home for many years, the sewer charge could make up a large portion of your total tax due to the County of San Mateo.

  1. Sewer Rates
  2. How to Calculate Your Charge
  3. Additional Info

Sewer rates have been approved for 2023-24 as follows:

Residential ClassRate
Class A usage-based fee$12.15/CCF
Per-dwelling unit fee$61.94/mo
Commercial ClassRate
Class B$24.31/CCF
Class C$31.93/CCF
Class D$43.30/CCF
Class ECase-by-Case Basis
Minimum Charge$61.94/mo

Sewer Rates have also been approved through Fiscal Year 2027-28. Please see the Proposition 218 Notice (PDF) to see the sewer rates for upcoming years.

To learn more about the different user classes, view the Sewer Charge Administrative Regulations (PDF).