The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) Board of Directors voted 4-1 on Thursday to approve rate increases. The new rates will take effect on July 1 and continue with annual adjustments each July through June 30, 2029.
According to EVMWD, the rate adjustments are necessary to protect public health, ensure system reliability, and meet evolving state water requirements. A wastewater rate adjustment was also approved to support aging infrastructure and protect groundwater quality.
“For 75 years, we’ve delivered safe, reliable water service that supports our growing region,” Board President Chance Edmonson said. “This vote ensures we can keep doing that. We must maintain a system that meets today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow.”
As part of the changes, EVMWD is simplifying its residential water rate structure by moving from four tiers to three. Commercial and recycled water customers will shift from three tiers to two. These adjustments will provide more consistency across customer types while maintaining fairness and transparency. The approved rates also reflect the merger of EVMWD’s Temescal Division with the Elsinore Division, aligning services and rate structures under one unified division.
The rate structure includes a Capital Replacement Charge, now shown as a separate line item on customer bills, to reflect ongoing investments in water system infrastructure. These costs were previously included in fixed and variable water rates and are not new charges.
“These rate adjustments reflect our responsibility to plan wisely and invest in the infrastructure that protects public health and ensures long-term water reliability,” Vice President Harvey R. Ryan said. “We understand the financial impact on our customers and are committed to transparency, accountability, and careful stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us.”
The board’s decision follows a months-long outreach campaign that included community meetings, stakeholder briefings, and a dedicated information website. A public Budget Workshop was held on June 4.
For more information on the new rates, visit EVMWD.com/rates.
