Serrano Water District’s new five-year water rates took effect July 1, 2026. The district serves Villa Park and a small part of Orange. For an average household, the Prop 218 notice projected about an 8.2% increase, or roughly +$16.99 per month, with most bills rising by less than $20.
The rate structure itself did not change. Customers still pay a fixed readiness-to-serve (meter) charge plus a volumetric charge for water used above one billing unit (100 cubic feet / 748 gallons) each month.
Key July 2026 Rates
Figures below come from Serrano Water District’s Prop 218 notice.
Fixed meter / readiness-to-serve (monthly)
For meters 1 inch and under:
| Effective | Monthly charge |
|---|---|
| Previous | $45.23 |
| July 2026 | $47.72 |
| July 2027 | $52.02 |
| July 2028 | $56.71 |
| July 2029 | $61.82 |
| July 2030 | $67.39 |
Larger meters (1.5 inch and up) have higher fixed charges.
Volumetric rate (per HCF above one unit)
| Effective | Per HCF |
|---|---|
| Previous | $5.58 |
| July 2026 | $6.08 |
| July 2027 | $6.63 |
| July 2028 | $7.23 |
| July 2029 | $7.89 |
| July 2030 | $8.61 |
One HCF equals 748 gallons. The district can also pass through higher wholesale costs from MWDOC and OCWD, and CPI inflation above the study’s assumptions, with at least 30 days’ written notice.
Why Rates Went Up
The May 27, 2026 public hearing and rate study cite rising wholesale water costs, inflation, and major capital work, including:
- New Groundwater Well (~$8 million) — Well No. 6 sound-wall and drilling work was already underway as of the June 2026 board meeting
- Smith Reservoir & Pump Station Replacement (~$27 million)
- Mainline Replacement Program (~$11.1 million)
- Lockett Reservoir corrosion prevention (~$2 million)
- Other capital replacement (~$1.2 million)
Other District Notes
At the June 23, 2026 board meeting, staff said the district had fully used its native Irvine Lake water for the period and is working with Irvine Ranch Water District on an intertie at Taft Avenue and Cannon Street (about a one-year timeline). Longtime General Manager Jerry Vilander was also honored for 13 years of service as Andrew Wiesner, P.E., moved into the GM role.
Sources & Related Links
- Serrano Water District July 1, 2026 rate increase page
- Prop 218 notice PDF linked from that page
- How to Find & Read Your Water Meter in Villa Park
- Irvine Lake Closing for Santiago Creek Dam Project
Questions about your bill: Serrano Water District, (714) 538-0079, 18021 Lincoln Street, Villa Park.