Bakersfield residents and businesses will see sewer rates climb steadily over the next five years after the City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to adopt staff’s recommended rate increase.
The fixed annual sewer service charge will rise from $475 in fiscal year 2026-27 to $875 by fiscal year 2030-31. The increases take effect each July 1, beginning July 1, 2026.
The Bakersfield Water Department partnered with HF&H Consultants in 2025 to conduct a revenue rate study assessing what the city needs to cover the costs of operating and maintaining its sewer and stormwater collection systems and two wastewater treatment plants…