The purpose of water rates is to raise revenue for the cost of providing water and sewer services. Cost of service includes the cost of operation and maintenance of the City of Fort Bragg water utility used for the collection, processing and distribution of water and payment of principle and interest on debt used to finance water and sewer capital projects.

Water & Sewer Rates

Current Rates (PDF)

Water Fixed & Usage Charges 

For each billing period, customers are charged a fixed charge based on meter size (e.g. 5/8") and a usage charge based on the amount or water used.

1. Fixed Charges: Customers are charged a water fixed charge per billing period based on meter size and a water usage charge based on the amount of water that passed through the meter. 
2. Variable Charges for Water: are billed monthly based on meter reads taken at the end of each month. 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons = 1 unit of water.

Waster-water/Sewer Fixed & Usage Charges 

For each billing period, customers are charged a fixed charge based on meter size and a variable charge based on  water usage.

1. Fixed Charges: are billed monthly per dwelling and/or commercial unit. For example: a duplex is billed two fixed charges (one for each dwelling). The number of dwellings per account is based on the City of Fort Bragg's building records.
2. Variable Charges: are billed monthly based on monthly water consumption for all accounts (excluding Single Family Residences). For example: If 4 units of water are used during the billing period, then 4 units of sewer are also billed.Variable Charges for Single Family Residences are billed monthly based on a Winter Average. Winter Averages are calculated once a year (in July)based on winter water usage between November and February. This average water usage determines how many sewer units each customer is billed per month for the year (July 1st thru June 30th).

All new customers will pay the minium variable sewer charge of 2 units until a winter average can be established.

Winter averages calculated below the minimum variable charge of 2 units will be billed the minium 2 units variable sewer charge.

Prop 218 (PDF)

In November 1996, California voters passed Prop 218, the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act." This constitutional amendment protects taxpayers by limiting the methods by which local governments can create or increase taxes, fees and charges without taxpayers consent. Prop 218 requires voter approval prior to imposition or increase of general taxes, assessments, and certain user fees.

Set up Water and Sewer Service

For Tenants:

1. Complete the Utility Bill Application.
2. Bring in a Photo ID.
3. Lease/rental agreement
4. Deposit: $150 paid with cash or check only.

Owner Occupied Properties:

1. Complete the Utility Bill Application.
2. Bring in a Photo ID.
3. Provide proof of ownership- Grant Deed.

How to Move Services to a New Residence

1. Complete the Utility Bill Application.
2. Bring in a Photo ID.
3. Proof of ownership- Owner occupied or Rental/Lease agreement- Tenants

How to Discontinue Services

• Complete the Water Service Discontinuance Application.
• For Vacation Request Turn Off: Vacation Request Form