Altadena Utility Customers Face Water Rate Hikes in 2026 After Fire

Mutual water companies serving the area look to recover costs from Eaton fire damage

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Altadena utility customers will see water rate increases in 2026 as the area's three mutual water companies work to recover from damage caused by the 2025 Eaton fire. The companies are considering rate hikes, fire recovery fees, and even consolidation to address the financial and infrastructure challenges.

Why it matters

The Eaton fire caused significant damage to the water infrastructure in Altadena, forcing the local mutual water companies to raise rates and consider other measures to pay for repairs and upgrades. This highlights the challenges small, community-based utilities face in the aftermath of natural disasters and the need for long-term solutions to ensure reliable service.

The details

The three mutual water companies serving Altadena - Las Flores, Lincoln Avenue, and Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association - all suffered damage to their infrastructure during the Eaton fire. Rubio Cañon is considering an average 11% rate increase along with a potential $30, $20, or $10 monthly fire recovery fee, while Las Flores is reviewing a possible $50 fee over 60 months. Lincoln Avenue has already approved a 10% rate hike on top of an 8% increase deferred from 2025. Pasadena Water and Power, which serves part of Altadena, also has approved annual rate adjustments through 2028 to generate $42 million in additional revenue.

  • In 2024, Pasadena City Council approved annual rate adjustments for all customers effective each July 1 through July 1, 2028.
  • Last week, Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association presented potential rate increases and fire recovery fees to shareholders.
  • Lincoln Avenue customers will see the approved rate increase in their March 2026 bill.

The players

Las Flores

The smallest of the three mutual water companies serving Altadena. It will be setting new rates in 2026 and is considering an additional $50 fee over 60 months.

Lincoln Avenue

One of the mutual water companies serving Altadena. It has approved a 10% rate increase on top of an 8% increase deferred from 2025.

Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association

One of the mutual water companies serving Altadena. It is considering an average 11% rate increase and a potential $30, $20, or $10 monthly fire recovery fee.

Wilberta Richardson

An Altadena resident and shareholder of Rubio Cañon Land and Water Association, as well as the president of Altadena NAACP.

Kathryn Barger

Los Angeles County Supervisor who has reiterated her position that the three mutual water companies should consolidate to address the challenges from the Eaton fire.

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What they’re saying

“There was not so much questioning about the rate increase … Whatever, it is I think people are OK, but the recovery fee was a no-go.”

— Wilberta Richardson, Altadena resident and Rubio Cañon shareholder

“I believe given what happened in Altadena we need to revisit, across the board, all of our municipal water districts in terms of whether they're ready for what's on the horizon, God forbid something like what happened in Altadena.”

— Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor

What’s next

Supervisor Barger is anxious to get the Altadena water situation settled so the county can begin the process of undergrounding utilities and trenching. However, the county cannot force the mutual water companies to consolidate, so a decision on that path forward remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The Eaton fire has forced Altadena's mutual water companies to raise rates and consider other measures like consolidation to address the significant damage to their infrastructure. This highlights the financial and operational challenges small, community-based utilities face after natural disasters and the need for long-term solutions to ensure reliable service for residents.