Santa Fe Irrigation District customers to see rate increases in January

At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Santa Fe Irrigation District Board of Directors unanimously approved rate increases for its potable and recycled customers that will take effect at the start of the new year, Jan. 1, 2026.

Customers will receive a notification by mail with more details about the impact on their bills and when they can expect the increase to be reflected in their statements, according to a district news release.

Potable water customers will see a 5% rate increase, a full pass-through of costs from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), the region’s wholesale water provider.

“Rate increases are always a difficult decision for our board to pass on to our communities,” said SFID Board President Michael Hogan in the news release. “However, increases from our wholesale providers cannot be absorbed and must be passed through to our customers. I appreciate the hard work of our staff in finding creative ways to manage internal costs moving forward. We will continue to fight for our customers to regain our local water supply in Lake Hodges as soon as possible.”

Wholesale water costs make up approximately 50% of SFID water rates, which is why the pass-through from SDCWA has a significant impact on customers’ bills, according to the news release. SFID has been buying more expensive imported water from SDCWA since 2022, when the Division of Safety of Dams imposed restrictions on the Lake Hodges Reservoir levels following required structural repairs to the dam. When local water from Lake Hodges is available, SFID is able to purchase less water from SDCWA.

“SDCWA rate increases continue to have a significant impact on our communities and customer bills,” said Director Dana Friehauf in a news release. “SDCWA must find a way to reduce its costs and as the SFID representative to their Board of Directors, I am working diligently with the rest of the board to mitigate future increases and continue to fight for our communities.”

Recycled water customers will also see a 10% increase, a full pass-through of costs from the recycled water wholesaler San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA). SEJPA collects, treats, and recycles wastewater and its residuals for residents and businesses in the Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Olivenhain, and Cardiff communities.

According to the news release, the board approved a 0% increase in rates for SFID operational and capital costs, fully offsetting the proposed 5% increase in the district’s approved rates schedule, also known as the cost-of-service.

“We are in a unique and positive position to help our community by being able to absorb the SFID rate increase,” said board Vice President Sandra Johnson. “Considering the funds we have in reserve, it is our duty to do what we can to help our customers during difficult economic times.”

Bill assistance for customers is available by contacting SFID. Customers can monitor their water use with an online portal at sfidwater.org.