Where April Stands

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.

01

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 pipes and no PFAS contamination issues. Water quality has consistently met or exceeded every federal and state standard. 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.

02

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% — a commitment she made when she first took office and kept when the time came. She eliminated 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.

03

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.

04

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 uncovered $279 million in budget transfers that happened without clear board public knowledge, she didn’t just raise the alarm — she pushed through structural reforms. EBMUD’s FY 2026-27 budget now includes Capital Steering Committees, mandatory reporting on capital transfers, a dedicated emergency fund structure, and requirements that savings be returned to the Finance Department instead of being quietly redirected.

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.

05

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.