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Division says DAC fee reduction process will move from self-certification to board determination in fiscal 2026–27
Summary
Staff told attendees that the current self-certification process for disadvantaged community (DAC) fee reduction will remain in place for the upcoming reporting year and that a State Water Resources Control Board determination process is planned for fiscal year 2026–27.
At the EAR input forum, a Division of Drinking Water presenter said the agency plans to change the process for reduced fees for disadvantaged communities from a self-certification model to a State Water Resources Control Board determination, but that the change will not apply in the upcoming reporting year.
Jonathan Swayde, representing the Division’s data support unit, said the current process remains self-certification for the next reporting cycle and that the State Water Board–led determination would take effect in fiscal year 2026–27. He emphasized that the change will not affect the immediate reporting year and that water systems should continue to follow the existing self-certification process for now.
Why it matters: fee-reduction eligibility procedures affect how water systems and communities claim disadvantaged-community status for fee purposes. Staff did not provide additional details about implementation steps, timelines beyond fiscal 2026–27, or statutory authority during the forum. Participants were advised that the change is planned but will not be implemented in the next reporting cycle.
Because the Division presented this as a forthcoming administrative change, water systems with questions about current eligibility or the upcoming change were directed to follow Division guidance and to ask for clarifying materials through the Division’s support email.
