City of Phoenix to Vote on Water Rate Hike

BY VALLEY VIBE STAFF WRITERS info@valleyvibenews.com

City of Phoenix water customers can expect to pay more for their water service, if a proposal to increase rates in phases over the next three years is approved by City Council.

In a series of town hall meetings over the last couple of months, water officials have explained additional revenue is needed to meet higher expenses and improve aging infrastructure.

The proposed rate increase is part of the department's five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which includes significant investments in water pipes, treatment plants, and advanced water purification technology.

In 2022, the City announced it was in the midst of a water alert due to supply shortages on the Colorado River. Water officials launched a campaign to educate its 1.7 million customer base on conservation efforts and infrastructure improvements by the City. At that

Rate Calculator time water officials hinted that an increase was likely due to rising costs in raw water, electricity, chemical costs and personnel. [See “Conscious Watering,” Valley Vibe, January 2023.]

If approved, residential customers can expect an increase in their water bills phased in over the next three years in the following categories beginning in October 2023.

1 Water Usage Fee

A 6.5 percent increase (additional increases of 6.5 percent in March 2024 and 13 percent in March 2025).

2 Wastewater Service

A 6.5 percent increase (additional increases of 6.5 percent in March 2024 and 7 percent in March 2025).

3 Stormwater Excise Tax

A 25-cent increase for most residential customers (due to new and expanded permit requirements).

The proposed increases are expected to go before the Phoenix City Council with a public hearing for final customer input and formal vote on June 28.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Customers can calculate their estimated increase at www.phoenix.gov/proposedrates.

Water Rebates

The City is also working on a program to reward water conscious customers for their conservation efforts by offering one-time bill credits in the following categories.

1 Toilet rebates for installation of low-use toilets ($75 bill credit)

2 Irrigation controller replacement ($75 bill credit)

3 Xeriscape landscape replacement plans

4 Commercial Turf program