Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems

Press release from Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury:

In January of this year, the residents of Clearlake in nearby Lake County awoke to raw sewage flowing down roadways, across fields, and into drainage ditches and waterways.  

In March of this year, Alderpoint County Water District residents learned that they were in danger of losing all water and sewer services because of an unpaid bill of over $14,000 to PG&E. 

What do these two fiascos have in common?  Both are chronic failures to raise water and sewer rates to meet the rising costs of providing the services. 

Should your water and sewer bill keep going up? 

For 13 years, the Fortuna City Council chose not to raise water and sewer rates. Instead, they took “belt-tightening” measures.  By not contributing to reserves and delaying water and sewer rehabilitation projects they managed to squeeze by for years… until they couldn’t. 

In April 2024, the Fortuna City Council adopted a rate increase that hit residents with a 20% rate increase in each of the following three years.  By June 30, 2029, the water and sewer rates will roughly double compared to the old rates. 

Other communities have recognized the need for continual improvement of their services and so have continuously raised rates to meet rising costs. 

The McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD) has adopted a more proactive stance toward its water and wastewater management. 

By implementing regular rate increases, MCSD created a water/wastewater budget that is 46% higher than Fortuna’s.  With its larger budget, MCSD can focus more on water/wastewater infrastructure upgrades and replacements.  Meanwhile, Fortuna is struggling to escape the “break and fix” cycle they created. 

No one likes paying higher water and sewer bills, but if a community wants to have safe and reliable water and sewer services, the answer is clear.  As water and sewer operating costs continue to rise, yes, your water and sewer bill should keep going up. 

The Civil Grand Jury Report Flowing Forward: Funding the Future of Water and Sewer Systems was published 6/23/2026 on the Humboldt County website Civil Grand Jury | Humboldt County, CA – Official Website, and details the research that went in the Jury’s conclusion; What is clear is that ensuring adequate drinking water and a functioning sewer system require consistent rate increases.