Where April stands · EBMUD Ward 7

The Issues That Matter to Ward 7

April Chan ran for EBMUD because she believes clean, affordable water is a right — not a privilege. Here’s where she stands and what she’s fighting for.

See where she stands ↓

How to vote

April Chan pointing to a tank of fish eggs at a fish hatchery — April at the fish hatchery, where eggs are raised for release into EBMUD reservoirs.

01 Clean water

April Brings Clean Water

Clean, safe drinking water for Ward 7.

EBMUD delivers some of the best drinking water in the country, drawn from the Mokelumne River in the Sierra Nevada. April is working to keep it that way.

EBMUD has no lead service lines, and its PFAS testing has come in below the state’s notification levels. Water quality has consistently met or surpassed every state and federal requirement. That’s not an accident — it’s the result of constant vigilance, investment in testing, and a commitment to protecting the source.

April has taken action to protect the district’s reservoirs from invasive species that could threaten water quality, including introducing a motion to manage golden mussel risk. She supports ongoing investment in water treatment technology and watershed protection.

No lead service lines.

EBMUD’s drinking water has met or surpassed every state and federal requirement — the result of constant vigilance.

Water rushing over the spillway on the Mokelumne River, surrounded by rocky hills — The spillway at the Mokelumne River, where Ward 7’s water begins.

02 Affordable bills

Affordable Water Bills

April knows what rising costs mean for families. She’s fought to keep water bills as low as possible without sacrificing the infrastructure investment that keeps water flowing safely.

She voted to cap the most recent rate increase at 6.5%. She voted to eliminate the 8% drought surcharge once drought conditions ended, putting money back in ratepayers’ pockets. And she supports reducing System Capacity Charges that add costs to new development.

April also organized outreach in Ashland to connect underserved residents with the Customer Assistance Program, which provides reduced rates for eligible households. She believes no family should have to choose between paying their water bill and putting food on the table.

6.5% cap. Surcharge gone.

April voted to cap the rate increase at 6.5% and to end the 8% drought surcharge when conditions allowed.

6.5%Rate increase cap

8%Drought surcharge ended

Customer Assistance

Does your home have its own EBMUD water meter?

CAP requires your own EBMUD meter with the bill in your name, so most renters who pay for water through a landlord don’t qualify. If that’s you, call EBMUD at (510) 287-0468 to ask about other help, or visit EBMUD’s CAP page for more options.

Household size (people in your home) Annual household income (before taxes)

You likely qualify for CAP

Based on your household size and income, you appear to be within EBMUD’s income limits. CAP takes 50% off your water service charge and water use, and 35% off wastewater charges if EBMUD handles your wastewater.

CAP could cut your water bill in half.

What to bring when you apply:

Proof of income for everyone in your household — pay stubs, SSI/SSA award letter, or last year’s tax return
Your current EBMUD bill (account number is in the top-right corner)
Photo ID for the applicant (California driver’s license, California ID, or U.S. passport)

Apply for CAP at EBMUD →

You might qualify — it’s worth applying

Your income is close to the limit. EBMUD considers additional household circumstances — applying costs nothing.

Apply for CAP at EBMUD →

You may not qualify at this income level

Based on your income and household size, you appear to be above EBMUD’s current income limits. If your financial situation changes, you can apply at any time.

You may still be able to reduce your bill through EBMUD’s water conservation programs.

Income limits as published by EBMUD (add $6,800 for each person over six). Enrollment lasts up to two years, then you reapply. Eligibility is determined by EBMUD upon application review. Source: EBMUD Customer Assistance Program.

03 Infrastructure

Infrastructure That Works

The pipes under your streets, the treatment plants that clean your water, and the aqueducts that carry it from the Sierra — all of this infrastructure requires constant investment. April takes that responsibility seriously.

As a member of EBMUD’s Planning Committee and Finance & Administration Committee, April works to ensure infrastructure dollars are spent wisely and that Ward 7 communities get their fair share of investment. She also serves as Board Member and Past Chair of the DSRSD/EBMUD Joint Powers Authority for water recycling, advancing regional solutions for water reuse.

Built to keep flowing.

Steady investment in pipes, treatment plants, and aqueducts — so water arrives safely, every day.

Planning Committee
Finance & Administration Committee
Past Chair, DSRSD/EBMUD Joint Powers Authority

04 Fiscal accountability

Fiscal Accountability

Public agencies work for you. April believes you have the right to know how every dollar of your water bill is spent.

When April’s questions helped bring $279 million in out-of-view budget transfers to light, she didn’t just raise the alarm — she pushed through structural reforms. Starting in FY 2026, EBMUD ended transfers between capital projects (except for administrative purposes) and began reporting all unallocated capital fund transfers quarterly instead of once a year.

She also introduced a motion requiring external auditor reports be shared with the full board, so every director has access to the same financial information the public deserves to see.

$279,000,000

in budget transfers moved out of public view — until April pushed for transparency.

“When I was twenty, I played for Chuck Berry and he taught me the first rule of this business: somebody’s got to count the money. Well, April counts it.”

Ozzie AhlersThe keys behind Jerry Garcia and Van Morrison

05 Environment

Environmental Stewardship

Water and the environment are inseparable. April voted to move EBMUD toward carbon neutrality by 2030, advancing sustainability across district operations. She has also supported efforts to preserve water quality at the source — the Mokelumne River watershed.

April brings the same practical, community-first approach to environmental policy that she brings to everything else: protect what we have, plan for what’s coming, and make sure the costs and benefits are shared fairly.

Source to tap.

Protecting reservoirs and the watershed — because clean water starts upstream.