Veronica PiscitelliThe East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which serves the eastern side of San Francisco Bay, adopted a $3.2 billion two-year budget. While raising rates for water users, the new budget will support an array of new water infrastructure and treatment projects.
The $3.2 billion budget will support investments in a 10-year Capital Improvement Program. Projects within the program will renew critical infrastructure, protect the environment and help to deliver high-quality water at reasonable rates.
Water rates will increase on average 6.5% in each FY 2026 and FY 2027. EBMUD is a not-for-profit utility in which customers’ rate dollars directly fund operations and capital improvements. Any additional revenue is reinvested in the system.
In the new budget, investments of $1.2 billion will go towards water capital projects over the next two years. This includes the multi-year Orinda Water Treatment Plant Disinfection and Chemical Systems Safety Improvement Project, which will add ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection to the plant. It will also fund the installation of more than 50 miles of water pipelines for new and ongoing projects in Oakland, Orina, Castro Valley, Richmond, Berkeley, Alameda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, El Sobrante, San Pablo and seven other jurisdictions.
The budget also consists of $5.6 billion over the next 10 years for several other water treatment and line revivals, including $1.9 billion for water pipeline replacements and $713 million for water treatment plant upgrades.
The wastewater portion of the budget funds investments of $170.8 million in capital expenditures over the next two years. During this time, upgrades will be made to the Emeryville Sewer Pipeline, Pump Station H in Oakland, Constitution Way Pipeline in Alameda, and improvements at the Main Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Over the next 10 years, $1.2 billion is dedicated to improving large wastewater collection pipes, pump stations, treatment facilities, electrical controls, and major projects related to nutrients and protecting the health of San Francisco Bay.
EDMUD has over 70 active and planned projects. Specific details about the projects, locations, timelines, and funding can be accessed here.
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