Mission Viejo water and sewer rates
Who supplies water to Mission Viejo houses, what it costs, and how the sewer charge works.
Santa Margarita Water District
Santa Margarita Water District rates effective March 1, 2026: a monthly fixed base charge of $30.09 for a residential 3/4-, 5/8- or 1-inch meter, then $3.55 per CCF for Tier 1 (the indoor budget), $4.12 for Tier 2 (up to 100% of the total indoor and outdoor water budget) and $5.16 for Tier 3 (use above the total budget).
| Use a month | Price per unit (CCF, 748 gallons) |
|---|---|
| Fixed charge | $30.09 a month |
| 0 to 7.6448 units | $3.55 |
| 7.6448 to more | $4.12 |
- Source
- Imported treated surface water from the Metropolitan Water District (Colorado River and State Water Project) and treated surface water from Irvine Ranch Water District's Baker Water Treatment Plant (2026 report on 2025).
- Hardness
- Distribution system average 256 ppm total hardness as CaCO3 (15 grains per gallon), range 210 to 300, tested in 2025.
- Lead
- Lead was not detected in any of 52 homes sampled in 2024; 0 of 52 sites exceeded the 15 ppb action level.
- Standards
- The District reports that the water delivered to homes meets or surpasses federal and state quality standards.
Sewer
Santa Margarita Water District wastewater rates effective March 1, 2026: a fixed base charge of $38.32 a month for single-family residential customers plus $1.61 per CCF of water usage billed, charged only on usage up to the indoor budget for single-family homes.
Ways to pay less
- Water-saving rebates from SMWD. Santa Margarita Water District offers rebates through partners, including $125 for a smart sprinkler timer, $100 for a clothes washer, $40 for a toilet and $2 per square foot for residential turf removal. How: See the SMWD rebate programs page before you buy or remove turf.
Pay or manage it
Sources
- Santa Margarita Water District: residential rates 2025-2029
- Santa Margarita Water District: rates
- Santa Margarita Water District 2025 rate change notification
- Santa Margarita Water District 2025 cost-of-service rate study
- Santa Margarita Water District: about your tax bill
- Santa Margarita Water District 2026 water quality report
- Santa Margarita Water District: rebate programs
- Metropolitan Water District: 2026/27 water standby charge resolution
Checked October 21, 2026. Every number here comes from the public sources listed, matched by our checker.
Rates change every year; this page shows when it was last checked. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice.