The Hayward City Council narrowly approved a regional water‑supply amendment on Dec. 2 amid public calls for a fuller review of cost estimates.

The measure — part of a multi‑agency package negotiated through the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) — received staff support after a multi‑year consensus process. City staff and BAWSCA representatives told the council the estimated direct cost impact to Hayward would be about $280,000 annually (roughly $0.30 per customer), a share of approximately 7% of imputed extra sales referenced in staff materials. BAWSCA representatives said the amendment reduces barriers for some member agencies to conserve water and argued it reduces the risk that larger, more expensive supply projects would be contemplated later.

Some callers and a written letter from Palo Alto staff contested the BAWSCA estimates, arguing the amendment’s mechanics could shift more of the fixed‑cost burden onto remaining purchasers and produce significantly higher costs for Hayward; one caller provided an alternative computation that the direct cost could be substantially higher. Council member Andrews and staff acknowledged the letters and callers, and staff said the impacts were reviewed and vetted through a consensus process; City staff recommended approval.

After public callers for both sides and council discussion, Council member Andrews moved the item and it passed with six votes in favor and one no. Council members said staff would continue to monitor regional developments and that committees had been engaged in the process.

Ending: Councilers said they would continue oversight and requested additional clarifications to be provided to the public; the staff note includes a corrected attachment to be removed from the final exhibit.