NID Water Rate Adjustments
Water rates are the primary source of funding for the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) to operate and maintain its water system. These rates allow the District to continue delivering reliable water service to farms and fields, and homes across Nevada, Placer, and Yuba counties.
NID serves a diverse region covering 287,000 acres. District services include:
- Supplying drinking water to nearly 19,800 connections, reaching more than 56,000 residents
- Delivering raw water to irrigate approximately 30,000 acres of farmland
- Generating clean hydroelectric power, which is enough to supply about 60,000 homes
To continue delivering these essential services, it's critical that our rate structure keeps pace with the real costs of providing water. This includes operational expenses such as labor, materials, energy, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Learn more:
NID Proposition 218 Water Rate Notice
Cost of Service Study (March 25, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Proposition 218 Objection Form
The Need for a Rate Adjustment
The proposed water rate increase is to fund much-needed construction projects to address failing infrastructure and compliance with regulatory requirements. The primary driver of the proposed rate increase is the Scotts Flat Spillway Replacement Project, estimated to cost $55 million; the South Yuba Canal, which was recently acquired from PG&E, and escalations in operating costs due to inflation, material costs, and insurance.
How much will my bill increase?
For all customers, your bill increase will depend on how much water you use or purchase.
If you are a treated water customer with a 5/8th inch meter and use 5 hundred cubic feet (HCF) or 3,740 gallons of water per month, your annual average bill will increase by $5.41 per month.
If you are an irrigation water customer and use one miner's inch of summer water, your monthly bill will increase by $24.43 per month (based on a six-month billing cycle).
A Fair and Transparent Process
The proposed rate changes are guided by the NID Water Rate Study, a detailed, data-driven analysis that ensures:
- Fairness and equity across customer classes
- Revenue sufficiency to fund essential services
- Maintenance of adequate financial reserves for emergencies and long-term sustainability
What to Expect Next
The rate-setting process will follow all legal requirements under Proposition 218, including:
- Notification: A Proposition 218 Notice will be mailed to all water customers and account holders.
- Public Participation: A public hearing has been scheduled on May 27, 2026, when customers may provide input. Info: 9:00 a.m. May 27, 2026 at 1036 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- Transparent Review: The Board will review and discuss the rate adjustments during regular session meetings before any final vote.
NID is committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining a water system that supports the health, safety, and prosperity of its served communities.
DOCUMENTS:
NID Proposition 218 Water Rate Notice
Cost of Service Study (March 25, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Read the Water Rates Study presentation (Feb. 11, 2026)
Read the Water Rates Study presentation (Feb. 24, 2026)
