Twentynine Palms Water District talks old septic systems and rate increases

The Twentynine Palms Water District held their monthly meeting yesterday and discussed the dangers of improperly maintained septic tanks.

General Manager Matt Shragge explained how septic tanks can contaminate ground water when not maintained properly. Shallow ground aquifers are at most risk for contamination and as water follows the easiest path, deep aquifers could be adversely affected as well. As Twentynine Palms uses 100% groundwater pulled from four aquifers, any contamination would be disastrous.

Information will be added to the website on how to properly maintain a septic system. The Regional water quality control board is seeking more solution-oriented input from the City, including discussing the possibility of a sewer system in Twentynine Palms.

Charles Diamond of Water Resources Economics presented their water rate study to the Board of Directors. Graphs representing a 5% and a 7% rate hike showed how with a 7% rate increase, a reserve of $2 million could be built up, in order to be financially prepared in the event of a well failure or other needed infrastructure repairs.

Fixed monthly meter service charges on a 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch meter would go up by $0.67 per month in 2026. Commodity charges per one hundred cubic feet of water would increase by $0.56 per month.

After a lengthy discussion the Board reached a consensus: four out of five Directors were for the 7% rate hike. A draft report will be presented at the December 17th meeting, after which the Public would be notified of the impending rate hike and the reasons for the increase.

A public hearing will be set for Wednesday February 25th, 2026 and the new rates would be implemented March 1st 2026.