Proposed Water Rate Community Meeting - October 7, 2026

MyGlendale water-rate community meeting, October 7, 2026: Water department staff presented a proposed five-year investment of about $100 million in system infrastructure, averaging roughly $20 million annually, to be funded through proposed water-rate increases. The plan includes about $30 million for pipeline replacement and rehabilitation—enabling replacement of roughly 1.5 to 2 miles of pipe per year—and approximately 40% for facilities such as tanks and pump stations, including permanent generators. Other work includes replacing aging meters and studying alternative local water supplies, including recycled water. Staff said the proposed rates are based on a cost-of-service analysis and described infrastructure deterioration, rising operating costs, and deferred maintenance as drivers. No contracts were awarded and no spending vote was taken at this community meeting.

Staff said the proposed rates are scheduled for a City Council public hearing on November 3, 2026, under California Proposition 218; the rates remain subject to the statutory protest process. They stated that the water fund cannot charge more than the cost of providing service and that excess revenue must be returned to customers. Staff discussed grant funding and regional partnerships as possible ways to offset costs; a bond was included as an assumption in the rate study but was not confirmed, and staff said current fund-balance constraints limit bond eligibility. A public-facing version of the water master plan was expected to be posted online the following day. The meeting did not approve a rate increase or specific procurement action.