The SFPUC has adopted a two-year program of water and wastewater rate adjustments to continue funding critical seismic rehabilitation projects and other improvements to the city’s aging water system, and to begin funding the wastewater capital improvement program that includes flood and odor control projects.

Our customers are billed for both water and wastewater use. The total increase in 2007 for the average San Francisco single-family residential household using 7 units of water per month is approximately $4.59 per month (9%).  The increase in 2008 will be $5.57 (10%). The following table shows the increases for water and sewer and the combined total:

Effective Date	Water	Sewer	Combined	Increase
July 1, 2006	$19.09	$33.71	$52.80	-
July 14, 2007	$20.84	$36.75	$59.59	$4.79
July 1, 2008	$23.10	$40.06	$68.16	$5.57

Residential water rates: Previously all water customers were billed for their water use at a uniform rate of $1.97 per unit (1 unit = 748 gal, or 100 cubic ft) for all units consumed.

In July 2007, the SFPUC instituted a two-tiered structure for single-family residential customers.  The first tier allowance of 3 units per month is billed at a rate of $2.08 per unit and all additional units at a rate of $2.50 per unit. 

For multi-family residential customers, a uniform volume charge is still in effect, and increased this year from $1.97 to 2.47 per unit. 

Residential wastewater rates: charges are based on the amount of wastewater each household returns to the sewers.

Previous: $2.88 for 0 – 3 units            July 07: $3.14 for the first three units
                $7.19 for 4-5 units                       $7.84 for the 4 to 5 units
                8.22 for 6 and above                    $8.96 for 6 and above

Reductions in service charges for water meters.  This monthly service charge based on water meter size is being reduced this year.  A residential customer with a 5/8” meter size will see a reduction from $5.30 to $4.60.

Because the last rain season was the driest on record, and long-term climate change is predicted, many residents have already responded to our water-conservation campaign, and are seeing the results in their bills. For information on free water-saving devices, rebates on water-efficient appliances, free leak detection program, and other conservation assistance, please contact our water conservation program staff at 551-4730 or http://conserve.sfwater.org.