The Ukiah Valley Water Authority is proposing rate increases for multiple water districts in the region.
According to a news release sent out by the water authority — a joint powers authority, including the city of Ukiah and four water districts — the reasons behind the rate increases are to “fund maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term system reliability after completing a regional rate study.”
Hildebrand Consulting analyzed the finances of four agencies: Millview County Water District, Redwood Valley County Water District, Willow County Water District and the city of Ukiah. After reviewing the analyses, each district proposed its own schedule of rate increases based on infrastructure and other needs.
The other district in the water authority, the Calpella County Water District, is already implementing its own five-year rate increase adopted in 2023 and did not participate in the analysis.
The increases are set to take effect in March 2026, with annual increases planned for each district until 2029.
The proposals call for water usage rates to rise 15% for Millview, 30% for Redwood Valley, 19% for Willow and 6% for the city of Ukiah. The increases are set to take effect in March 2026, with annual increases planned for each district until 2029.
According to the water authority, the districts’ proposed water rate increases remain below those in nearby areas such as Willits, Cloverdale, and Healdsburg.
A public hearing on the proposed water rate increases will be held at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center on Feb. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m.
A California law, Proposition 218, allows residents to protest specific local fee hikes before they are enacted. If more than 50% of affected residents submit a written protest to their respective district, either by mail or at the public hearing, the rate increase cannot be approved.