San Jose Water wants to raise rates by 22%, but some customers say their plan is all wet

ROUGHLY 1 MILLION PEOPLE in and around San Jose are facing significant increases to their water bills starting next year, if state regulators approve a local company’s plan.

San Jose Water Company, a for-profit water retailer, is asking the California Public Utilities Commission to allow an increase of the company’s average water rates by about 22 percent over three years beginning in 2025, according to state consumer advocates. The water company is also seeking approval to add a surcharge to customers’ bills to recoup $23.4 million it claims to have previously spent on unforeseen costs since its last rates hike in 2021.