Rates & Fees
Groundwater
Charge
The San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District maintains and improves groundwater levels and quality within the Bunker Hill Basin through recharge operations and careful management. The cost of these services is recovered through a Groundwater Charge applied to all producers within the District’s boundaries, as authorized under state law.
The charge reflects the real cost of protecting and replenishing the shared aquifer. Revenues support maintenance of recharge facilities, monitoring programs, and basin studies that guide future investment. Each year, the District conducts an Engineering Investigation on the condition of the basin and holds a public hearing before setting the rate, as required under Water code section 75560 et seq.
Production Statements
Groundwater producers within the District’s service area are required to report their well production twice each year. These reports cover the prior six months of well operation and ensure accurate accounting of water use across the basin.
If a producer prefers a digital file, a fillable form is available below. Each well must be reported, even if no groundwater was produced during the period. These records support fair assessment of the Groundwater Charge and help the District monitor recharge effectiveness and basin conditions.
Statements are mailed in June and December and must be returned by July 31 and January 31 respectively.
Measuring Production
Well production can be measured in several ways. The preferred method is a calibrated flow meter, which provides the most precise record of groundwater pumped. If a flow meter is not installed, producers may estimate production based on electric consumption using a flow conversion factor determined from a pump test.
Where neither method is available, a written estimate may be provided with an explanation of how the value was determined. All reported data are subject to District review and verification. These methods create a consistent and fair reporting system while maintaining flexibility for producers with different well configurations.
Rate Setting and Oversight
Each year, the District follows a defined public process to determine the appropriate Groundwater Charge. Staff prepare an Engineering Investigation Report evaluating basin storage, recharge, and production trends. The findings are reviewed in an open workshop and presented during a public hearing where comments are invited.
After considering all input, the Board adopts a resolution setting the new rate for the year. This process is established under California Water Code Sections 75610–75624 and ensures that local users directly support the work that sustains their shared water supply. The District’s emphasis on transparency and accountability helps maintain confidence in how rates are determined and applied.
Contact Information
For questions about rates, billing, or groundwater production statements, contact the District Office at (909)793-2503 or info@SBVWCD.org. Staff are available to assist with reporting forms, rate history, and additional resources on how the Groundwater Charge supports basin health and long-term water reliability.
