The latest news from VRWD
Important Notice: Upcoming Changes to Water Rates
A 10% rate increase is scheduled to take effect on February 16, 2026. This adjustment is lower than the previously anticipated 12% increase for 2026. The new rate will be reflected on your March 31, 2026, water bill.
Funding Critical Projects
Your rates support critical water infrastructure, including the District’s 33 miles of water pipelines, 2 pump stations, 4 groundwater wells, 5 reservoirs and a treatment plant. Rates fund operations, maintenance, repairs, emergency reserves and forward-looking capital improvement projects.
Over the next few years, rates will help fund approximately $13.5 million in vital system improvements
- Tank Improvements, $2.38 M – Baldwin Plant tanks will be rehabilitated, and a new tank added at Parker Plant, enhancing firefighting and system backup.
- Water Mains & Pressure Reducing Vaults, $5.44 M – 6,750 feet of water mains will be replaced to improve quality, flow, pressure, and reliability; vaults prevent damage from surges and high-pressure zones.
- Solar Energy Facilities, $2.05 M – New solar installations at Baldwin and Parker Plants will cut District electrical costs by an estimated 70% over 20 years.
- Pumps and Electrical Switch Gear, $3.10 M – Outdated pumps and 50-year-old electrical components will be replaced for better efficiency and safety.
Project SPARK
VRWD is undertaking a solar project that will offset up to 70% of the district's electrical costs, that will ultimately serve to shield customers from steep rate hikes and more importantly, ensure uninterrupted water supply during power outages and emergencies. Solar facilities will be installed at the district's Parker and Baldwin Pumping Stations. The solar energy system will be used alongside Tesla storage batteries.
SPARK is more than a name, according to Alma Quezada, VRWD general manager. “We’re sparking change,we’re sparking innovation, we’re sparking a future where our community thrives for generations to come,”she said at the groundbreaking. “Today we don’t just break ground, we break new ground in sustainabilityand reliability.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 21, 2025 and attended by the VRWD Board of Directors, district staff, project partners,Sumac Drive residents, and Michelle Sevilla, senior field representative with Assemblymember SteveBennett’s office. Sevilla presented the district with a certificate of recognition for the project.