(GRASS VALLEY, CA., March 27, 2026) -- The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) has begun outreach to inform customers about proposed changes to the District’s treated and irrigation water rates.

A Proposition 218 notice has been mailed to all property owners and tenants within the District, initiating a 45-day public review period. Customers are encouraged to watch for the notice in the coming days to learn more about the proposed changes and the rate-setting process.

NID is committed to providing clear and accessible information throughout the review period. In addition to the mailed notice, customers can visit the District’s public information webpage, NID Water Rate Adjustments, which includes frequently asked questions, detailed proposed rate schedules, and downloadable documents related to the rate study.

A public hearing on the proposed rate changes is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 27, 2026 at the Nevada Irrigation District Office, 1036 West Main Street in Grass Valley, CA 95945.

NID engaged an independent water rate consultant to evaluate customer demand, revenues, operating expenses, capital infrastructure needs, and financial reserves. The consultant’s findings and recommendations are presented in the 2026 Cost of Service Study, a comprehensive analysis designed to ensure fair and equitable rates, sufficient revenue, and adequate reserve funding.

Since its last rate adjustment in 2021, NID has worked to control costs. However, like many public agencies, businesses, and households, the District has experienced rising expenses associated with operating and maintaining a reliable water system.

The rate adjustments are necessary to fund critical infrastructure improvements and meet regulatory requirements. Key cost drivers for the rate increase include completion of the Scotts Flat Spillway Replacement Project, estimated at $55 million; ongoing repairs to the critical conveyance of the South Yuba Canal; and increasing operational costs related to labor, debt, materials & supplies, and insurance.

Under Proposition 218, customers may submit written protests if they oppose the proposed rate increases. Protests must be received by or submitted at the public hearing on May 27, 2026. Instructions and protest forms are available on the “NID Water Rate Adjustments” webpage.

If approved by the NID Board of Directors, the new water rate schedules would take effect on January 1, 2027.

For questions or comments not addressed on the NID webpage at https://www.nidwater.com/nid-water-rate-adjustments, the District’s Customer Service Department can be reached at (530) 273-6185 or via email at customerservice@nidwater.com.