![]() Hayes said the unpredictable drought conditions are driving the need for Phoenix water bill increases. As the Colorado River continues to dwindle, this plan asks residents to think about their water usage and how they can save more water, but it does not institute cutbacks to residential service. The city gets about 41% of its water from the Colorado River, 56% from the Salt and Verde rivers and the remaining 3% from groundwater. Phoenix introduced a drought management plan in 2015, and reaffirmed it in 2021, that aims to make residents more aware of their water usage and highlight what the city is doing to prevent drought impact from increasing. Hayes said one reason behind these increases is the ongoing drought in Arizona. What problems are the increased rates trying to solve? It would go from the 20 cents most residential customers currently pay as part of their water bill, to 45 cents in October because of new and expanded permit requirements. The plan also calls for similar increases in the cost of wastewater service: It would rise by 6.5%, or about $1.60 a month, in October, another 6.5% in March and by 7% in March 2025 for an average user.įinally, the city is considering an increase in the stormwater excise tax, required under the federal Clean Water Act to maintain storm drains and keep waterways clean. That could end up costing some residents an extra $4 a month, if their consumption exceeds the new, lower thresholds, according to city estimates. The city, with an eye on conservation, also wants to lower the amount of water residential customers receive under the flat rate, from 4,488 gallons to 3,740 in winter months and from 7,480 to 5,984 in hotter months. That would be followed by another 6.5% increase next March, and a 13% increase in March 2025 The proposed rate increase would raise water service costs for the average, in-city resident customer by 6.5%, or about $2 a month, in October, according to city estimates, though the increases will vary by customer. On top of these charges, customers pay user, environmental and other charges. ![]() Those who live outside Phoenix are charged an additional 50%. The rate varies based on the size of a customer’s water meter – the larger the line, the more the cost – and where the customer lives. Phoenix water customers are currently billed at a flat rate that allows up to 4,488 gallons of water during the cooler months of October to May and 7,480 gallons in the hot, dry months from June to September. What is the current water rate for Phoenix customers? “There was a national affordability study that was done last year, and the city of Phoenix has been recognized as some of the most affordable water and wastewater rates in the nation,” said Troy Hayes, water services director for the city of Phoenix. ![]() But one department official said the proposed higher rates would still be “extremely affordable” for most customers. The Water Services Department is proposing a phased Phoenix water bill rate increase to address the rising cost of water and water treatment and to encourage conservation. READ ALSO: Some fast facts to know about the Arizona water supply Although the Valley has seen more rain than normal this winter, with almost an inch more than the average in March, it wasn’t enough to combat the ongoing drought in Arizona.ĭEEPER DIVE: Here’s a look at the future of water in Arizona Phoenix residents could see an increase in their water bill soon.
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