Water rate studies are usually done every four or five years. The 2014 Water Rate Study came just before an important court decision which changed how water rates are calculated under Proposition 218 (a State law regulating rates), particularly regarding tiered rates (rates that increase with consumption to encourage conservation). In light of this and in response to citizen concerns, the City launched a new water rate study in 2018. To reflect this new legal requirement, this study reduces the City’s tiered rates structure. Unfortunately, this means that costs that used to be paid for by high-volume water users must now be spread to all customers and most customers will see their bills increase.