2026 Rate Study

May 15, 2026:  Released for public review - 2026 Rate Study Report for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, Public Review Draft, dated May 12, 2026

2026 Rate Study Report for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, Public Review Draft, dated May 12, 2026

 

Each year, Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District hires an independent rate consultant to prepare a Rate Study Report for the Board of Directors to use when determining groundwater production rates per zone for the upcoming fiscal year, in compliance with Proposition 26.

In accordance with Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District Ordinance 2026-01: Groundwater Charge Ordinance, approved and adopted May 15, 2026 (link to document is provided below), no later than the 30th day before the hearing on the annual rate study,  the annual rate study is published on the District's website and a copy made available for public inspection at the District office. 

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-01: Groundwater Charge Ordinance, Approved and Adopted May 15, 2026

 

In compliance with Proposition 26, consistent with SYRWCD Ordinance 2026-01 and the SYRWCD 2026 Rate Study prepared by Robert D. Niehaus, Inc., Final Report date June 16, 2026, and as provided in Resolution No. 742, adopted during the regular meeting of the Board of Directors on June 15, 2026, after a Public Hearing on the rate study,  the following Groundwater Production Charges for all types of groundwater ("water") produced between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, were levied for Zones A, B, C, D, E, and F at the following rates:

• Zone A:  $23.40 per acre-foot of water produced
• Zone B:  $15.30 per acre-foot of water produced
• Zone C:  $9.80 per acre-foot of water produced
• Zone D:  $9.80 per acre-foot of water produced
• Zone E:  $9.80 per acre-foot of water produced
• Zone F:  $9.80 per acre-foot of water produced