The City of Ventura is moving forward with the Proposition 218 process to raise water and wastewater rates beginning in 2027. Here’s a detailed look at what’s being proposed, why it is happening, and how residents can participate in the decision.
What’s Happening
On October 14, the Ventura City Council voted 4–3 to begin the Proposition 218 process, which is the required legal step before cities in California can raise water or sewer rates.
Starting October 17, approximately 41,000 property owners in Ventura will receive official notices in the mail.
These notices explain the proposed rate adjustments, outline how to submit a written protest, and start a 45-day countdown that leads to a public hearing on December 9.
If more than 50 percent plus one of property owners file valid written protests, the rate increase cannot take effect. If not, the City Council may vote to approve the new five-year rate schedule.
Why the City Says Rate Adjustments Are Needed
City officials and Ventura Water staff say these increases are necessary to:
1. Replace Aging Infrastructure
Much of Ventura’s water and wastewater system is more than 70 years old. Pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities are nearing the end of their useful life and require investment to avoid emergency failures that would cost even more later.
2. Meet State and Federal Regulations
Ventura must comply with environmental mandates that require reducing treated wastewater discharge into the Santa Clara River Estuary and meeting evolving water-quality standards.
3. Respond to Rising Costs
Labor, energy, and construction expenses have all increased significantly across California. Those cost pressures affect every water and wastewater provider in the state.
4. Secure a Reliable Local Water Supply
Ventura relies entirely on local sources that are becoming less dependable due to drought and climate change. Developing new, drought-resilient supply options is essential.
5. Fund Key Water Projects
Revenue from rate adjustments would support several major projects, including:
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VenturaWaterPure, which will purify wastewater to drinking-water standards and reduce discharge to the estuary.
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The State Water Interconnection, which will connect Ventura to California’s State Water Project, providing access to imported water during drought years.
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Upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, extending the life of the facility by roughly 50 years while protecting the health of the Santa Clara River Estuary.
How Much Rates Could Increase
If approved, rates would rise about 10 percent per year from 2027 through 2031.
A typical single-family household currently paying about $118 per month would pay around $137 in 2027 and approximately $219 by 2031.
That would place Ventura in the mid-to-upper range among Ventura County cities. Rates would be higher than in Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, or Ojai, but still lower than in Camarillo or Santa Paula.
What Is Proposition 218?
Proposition 218, passed by California voters in 1996, is known as the Right to Vote on Taxes Act. It was created to protect property owners from hidden or unfair fees.
Under Prop 218, cities must:
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Notify property owners in writing about any proposed rate increase.
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Allow at least 45 days for written protests.
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Hold a public hearing to review those protests.
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Prove that the proposed rates reflect the actual cost of providing the service.
This process does not include a typical election or ballot. Instead, it gives property owners the right to protest in writing before a city can legally approve new rates.
The Debate: Opponents and Proponents
Opponents Say
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Five years of double-digit increases are too steep and will strain local families already facing high living costs.
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The city should tighten spending or delay expensive projects instead of passing costs to ratepayers.
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The VenturaWaterPure project is too costly and could create long-term debt exceeding $1 billion when combined with other infrastructure improvements.
Proponents Say
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Ventura’s infrastructure is aging and vulnerable. Postponing repairs will only make the situation worse and more expensive.
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State and federal environmental laws require the city to reduce wastewater discharge into the estuary.
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Projects like VenturaWaterPure will create a sustainable local water supply and improve drought resilience.
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As unglamorous as it sounds, we need a reliable system to handle our wastewater. None of us want higher bills, but we all want clean water, environmental protection, and a city that can flush its toilets without worry.
Key Dates
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October 17 – Notices mailed to property owners
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December 9 – Public hearing and protest count
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2027–2031 – Proposed five-year phase-in of new rates
How to Participate
You can review the official Proposition 218 notice, use the city’s Bill Calculator to estimate your new rate, and learn how to submit a written protest at VenturaWater.net.
Ventura Water also offers community presentations, facility tours, and meetings for anyone who wants to understand the projects these rate adjustments would fund.
The Bottom Line
Ventura’s water system is old, complex, and under pressure from new environmental requirements and rising costs. Rate increases are never popular, but maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure is essential for our community’s future.
Responsible investment today will prevent costly emergencies tomorrow and ensure Ventura continues to have a dependable, drought-resilient water supply for generations to come.
