Silicon Valley water supplier plans rate hikes, raising affordability concerns for customers

SANTA CLARA COUNTY residents could see higher water bills in the upcoming year, as one water agency looks for ways to cover costs.

Valley Water, the region’s main water supplier, is proposing raising groundwater production charges on cities and private water retailers. The increase will be passed on to household ratepayers through local water companies such as San Jose Water. This could add $8.78 a month to customers’ bills in the upcoming fiscal year.