300 rate hike or no water: Diablo Grande crisis deepensbr br Residents of Diablo Grande in Stanislaus County are facing a steep water rate hike—from $145 to $569 a month—or risk losing service by June 30. The Western Hills Water District says it owes $13 million to the Kern County Water Agency and hasn’t made a payment since 2019. Many homeowners, especially retirees, say they’re being blindsided. With no help from the county or state, local leaders say the community must vote to approve the hike or face shutoff.