By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights Water District says rates for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027 will not be going up, according to a district press release.
The Board of Directors voted in mid-May to approve no water rate increases for at least the next year and a half, after previously voting 2-1 in mid-November 2025 to increase the rates for 2026.
“The Board’s action reflects the District’s continued focus on balancing reliable water service, ongoing infrastructure needs, and responsible financial planning on behalf of customers,” the district wrote in a June 17 press release.
CHWD Board President Caryl F. Sheehan said the board made the decision after “reviewing the district’s financial position, operational needs and customer affordability.”
District officials note that the review was part of the regular budget and financial planning process, which includes ongoing evaluation of operational costs, infrastructure priorities, water system needs, and broader regional water issues.
The Board also recognized the “importance of minimizing additional financial impacts on local households whenever possible while continuing to maintain reliable service,” the press release said.
The previous Nov. 15 hearing was held at the Citrus Heights Event Center. Immediate past president of Citrus Heights Water Board, Ray Riehle, said five residents gave public comment, three speaking in favor of the rate increase, and two speaking against the rate increase. Riehle said he and board vice president Caryl Sheehan voted in favor of the rate increase, and board member David Wheaton voted against the rate hike.
Five letters were also received and included in the agenda packet for the board of directors to read, all from residents opposing the rate increase.
According to a Notice of Public hearing issued by the district last year, the rate hike is part of a proactive plan to replace aging water pipes before they fail, helping to prevent costly emergency repairs, water outages, and property damage. More than 70 percent of the district’s pipelines were installed between 1960 and 1985, and with the average pipe lifespan at about 70 years, much of the system is nearing the end of its service life.
The Citrus Heights Water District serves roughly 20,000 customers, 1,500 of which also live in Orangevale.
Related: Citrus Heights Water District votes 2-1 in favor of rate increase – Citrus Heights Sentinel
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