The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is proposing a 6.5% water rate increase spread out over a two-year period.
City of Phoenix Water Services staff will host several virtual public meetings. To register for a virtual public meeting, visit phoenix.gov/waterrates. All meetings will include the same information. Here are the dates and times:
January 27 at 6 p.m.
February 4 at noon
February 11 at 3 p.m.
February 18 at 6 p.m. Spanish
*Information will be provided in Spanish only
During the meetings, staff will gather public comments and provide information on the city’s rate-setting process, including how the department will use these additional funds.
The proposed rate increase for the average single-family residential customer will be approximately $2.40 a month, or 8 cents per day. Even with the rate increase, customers will still pay some of the lowest water rates in the nation. Sewer rates will not be impacted.
The proposed rate increase would provide funding for the city’s Capital Improvement Program. Phoenix will invest 1.7 billion dollars in the program as a result of the proposed water rate increase. These capital improvement projects will continue to protect public health and reduce long-term operational costs, which will improve the overall system efficiency. Rehabilitating and replacing water pipes will ensure reliable delivery of the city’s drinking water. The program’s investment will also build and maintain utility treatment plants, pumps, reservoirs, and wells that promote economic development and benefit future generations.
Infrastructure investment means stronger neighborhoods, economic vitality, jobs within the community, and reduced water-main breaks before they become an issue for residents. Old water pipes installed in the mid-20th century are now reaching the end of their lifecycles. The city installed 4,100 miles of pipes in the 1960s – 1980s. These water pipes will need repairs and replacement in the near future. Seventy-five percent of the city’s five-year CIP will be directed toward the advanced renewal of this infrastructure.
The city of Phoenix water system includes numerous storage facilities, pump stations, pressure reducing valves, and approximately 7,050 miles of water distribution mains. More than 52,000 fire hydrants are maintained citywide to ensure that water is available in emergency cases.
The city of Phoenix Water Services Department employs over 1,450 essential employees who work to provide water and wastewater services to 1.7 million customers within 540 service area miles. Phoenix Water Services is a community-owned utility and accountable to the residents of Phoenix through the members of the Phoenix City Council.
These recommendations will be presented to the Phoenix City Council for consideration on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. If approved, the rates will go into effect later this year.
If you have a question or comment about the department’s rate increase, please email watersmart@phoenix.gov.