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, homes, and businesses 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.

The Need for a Rate Adjustment

Water rate increases are necessary to ensure that revenue aligns with rising operational costs. Since the last rate adjustment in 2019, NID has held off on increases, while continuing to deliver high-quality service.

However, inflation and rising costs for energy, materials, and construction have significantly impacted the District’s expenses. The proposed rates include budgeted expenditures for the coming fiscal year and help support essential system upgrades needed to maintain safe and reliable water delivery.

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

Supporting Low Rates with Hydroelectric Revenue

For many years, both raw- and treated water customers have benefited from subsidized rates, thanks to revenue from NID’s hydroelectric operations.

What to Expect Next

The NID Board of Directors will begin formal discussions of the proposed water rate adjustments on October 29, 2025. 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 will be scheduled where customers may provide input.
• 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.

Thank you for your understanding and engagement as we work to meet the growing demands of the region while ensuring a strong and sustainable future for our water resources.