Show All Answers

1. Why are my water fees increasing?

• The majority of the Sheridan water infrastructure was constructed in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Upgrades to the aging system are needed, including, but not limited to:
  1. New concrete block buildings to protect Wells 1 and 2.
  2. Upgrades to telemetry programs to ensure continued flow to each resident.
  3. Water valve isolation upgrades, including creating a loop on 8^th and 9^th Streets to ensure proper flow and allow system isolation if maintenance/repairs are needed. 
• Necessary projects are estimated to cost in excess of $400,000. In addition to monies collected through these fee increases, grants are anticipated to fund portions of the projects. 
• It is anticipated that these projects will commence in 2025 or later depending upon financial constraints

2. If approved, when will the fee increase take effect?

The initial increase will be effective on August 1, 2022, and each additional increase will take effect on July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024. 

3. How do my water fees compare with surrounding areas?

Sheridan residents pay a flat rate for their water usage, unlike residents in most water districts. The proposed 2022 Sheridan rate is $62.42/mo/EDU.

Nearby districts charge a base rate and apply additional charges for usage over a prescribed amount which varies between districts. Current (2022) base rates are:

1. Foresthill Public Utility District – $98.73/mo.
2. Placer County Water Agency – $54.83/mo.
3. Wheatland City Water – $47.47/mo.
4. City of Yuba – $57.50/mo.
5. Linda County Water District – $51.05/mo.
6. Tahoe City PUD - $87.43/mo.

4. I am on a fixed income. Is there any discount or subsidy available?

State law prohibits utilities from offering discounts or providing subsidies, to ensure each property has the same access to, and use of, the water system for the same price. Each property must pay the same amount for the same benefit, e.g., access to, and use of, the water system. 

5. Why is this charge on my tax bill instead of a monthly statement?

Administratively, it is more cost effective to bill annually. Billing monthly would require additional staffing and thus further increase water fees.

6. How long has this charge been on my tax bill?

Placer County has been billing water fees on the tax bill for over 20 years.

7. What is the history of the water system; why and when were wells drilled and abandoned?

Destroyed or disconnected wells include:

1. Old Well 2 (Existing Fire Well) was originally drilled in 1970 to allow for the abandonment of private wells that were experiencing contamination from septic systems. Old Well 2 was disconnected from the potable water system in 1982 because it did not comply with the 1981 California public water well standards. 
2. Old School Well originally served the school site. The school allowed the County to connect this well to the public water system. Old School Well was decommissioned in 1982 because it did not comply with the 1981 California public water well standards.

Connected and Active Existing Wells include:

1. Well 1 was drilled in 1970 in order to allow abandonment of private wells. Well 1 was paid for by a FHA grant and loan. This well currently produces approximately 320 gallons per minute (gpm).
2. Well 2 was drilled in 1982 to allow for the abandonment of an older well, called “Old Well 2”. Currently, Well 2 produces approximately 150 gpm.
3. Well 3 was drilled in 2011. Well 3 allowed the district to comply with the maximum day water demand requirements established by the California Waterworks Standards of March 2008. Well 3 was paid for by a combination of grant fundings from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Service, and the Community Development Block Grant Program. Well 3 produces approximately 150 gpm.

8. What constitutes a majority protest?

A majority protest is reached when 50% plus 1 of the properties served by the water district object to the proposed fee increase.

9. Where can I get additional information?

The Sheridan Municipal Advisory Council will receive an informational item regarding the proposed fee increase at their May 11, 2022 meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Stewart Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Road, Sheridan, California.