City Of Ventura Continues Public Education On Proposed Water And Wastewater Rate Adjustments

 In October, the City of Ventura mailed Proposition 218 notices to all Ventura Water customers and property owners to inform them about proposed adjustments to water and wastewater rates.

These adjustments are needed to ensure that Ventura Water is able to upgrade aging infrastructure, meet stricter state and federal requirements, and continue to provide reliable service for years to come.  

Independent financial and rate experts completed an updated cost-of-service study with the Water Commission and Ventura Water staff. The study identifies the revenue needed to replace aging pipelines and pumps, modernize Ventura’s 70-year-old wastewater treatment plant through the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Project, connect Ventura to the regional water system through the State Water Interconnection Project, and develop VenturaWaterPure, a legally-required new drought-proof and locally controlled water source that is not dependent on rainfall. 

As part of the Proposition 218 process, Ventura Water has continued providing clear and accessible information to help customers understand the proposed rate adjustments and learn more about the necessary infrastructure improvements the rates would support.  

Over the past two months, Ventura Water has hosted two public facility tours at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility, giving attendees a first-hand look at the aging infrastructure that needs critical upgrades. For residents who could not attend in-person, Ventura Water also held a Virtual Community Open House, featuring a presentation, Q&A opportunity and a video recording of highlights from the facility tour. Ventura Water also provided presentations to community councils, businesses and neighborhood groups detailing the proposed rate adjustments and related projects.  

Additionally, Ventura Water has performed extensive digital outreach, including frequent updates on social media in English and Spanish, directing customers to www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Rates where they can view all materials, including the full Proposition 218 notice, a recording of the Virtual Open House, rate details and a bill calculator. 

“Ventura Water is committed to providing clear, factual information so that customers can understand what’s being proposed and why,” said Gina Dorrington, Ventura Water General Manager. “These investments are essential to maintaining safe, reliable service and securing a local, drought-proof water supply for our community.” 

Ventura Water also offers customer assistance programs to help eligible households manage their bills, including a 50 percent discount on the monthly water service charge for qualifying customers. Information and eligibility criteria are available at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Rates. 

The Ventura City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Wright Event Center, 57 Day Road, Ventura, CA 93003, to consider adoption of the proposed water and wastewater rates. Written protests must be received before the close of the hearing to be counted; instructions are included in the Proposition 218, available in English and Spanish. Customers may submit a written protest using the Protest Form, provided in English and Spanish as a courtesy to make participation easier; however, use of this form is optional. Any written protest or objection that meets the requirements outlined in the Proposition 218 notice will be accepted.      

For more information, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Rates or contact Ventura Water Customer Care at (805) 667-6500.