San Antonio, February 2, 2026
The San Antonio City Council is evaluating the proposed 8% rate increase by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to address financial needs and infrastructure improvements. This adjustment is prompted by aging infrastructure, drought conditions, and new legislative mandates. Community members have raised concerns over the financial burden on residents, leading to a comprehensive council review. The proposal marks the first rate adjustment since 2020, reflecting ongoing community and economic considerations.
San Antonio Reviews Proposed SAWS Rate Hike Amid Infrastructure Challenges
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio City Council is currently reviewing the San Antonio Water System’s (SAWS) proposed rate increase, aiming to address the utility’s financial needs and infrastructure improvements. This move comes after SAWS announced plans to adjust rates for the first time since 2020, citing factors such as aging infrastructure, ongoing drought conditions, and new legislative requirements.
Proposed Rate Adjustments
SAWS has proposed an 8% rate increase for 2026, which would raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill from $56.68 to $61.21. However, this estimate is based on a customer using 6,275 gallons of water monthly, a figure that may not represent the typical usage of many residents.
Factors Influencing the Rate Increase
The proposed rate adjustment is driven by several factors:
- Aging Infrastructure: The need for significant upgrades to wastewater treatment plants and the repair and replacement of aging pipelines.
- Ongoing Drought Conditions: Prolonged droughts have impacted water availability, necessitating additional resources to maintain service levels.
- New Legislative Requirements: Compliance with recent state regulations has introduced new operational costs for SAWS.
Community Response and Council Review
Community members have expressed concerns about the proposed rate increase, emphasizing the potential financial burden on residents. In response, the City Council has initiated a comprehensive review of SAWS’ financial strategies and the proposed rate hike to ensure that any adjustments are justified and equitable.
Next Steps
SAWS is conducting a cost-of-service study to assess the necessity and impact of the proposed rate adjustments. The findings from this study are expected to inform the formal rate-setting process in the first half of 2026. If approved by the SAWS Board of Trustees and the San Antonio City Council, the new rates would take effect in the first half of 2026.
Background
SAWS has not increased residential and commercial water and wastewater rates since 2020. In 2023, a rate restructuring was implemented that lowered water and sewer charges for most residential customers, despite challenges such as COVID-19 supply chain impacts, new legislative requirements following Winter Storm Uri, inflation affecting materials and construction costs, and the need for assistance programs for qualifying customers.
Conclusion
The San Antonio City Council’s review of SAWS’ proposed rate increase reflects a commitment to balancing the utility’s financial needs with the economic well-being of residents. Ongoing discussions and studies aim to ensure that any rate adjustments are fair, transparent, and necessary to maintain the quality and reliability of water services in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed rate increase by SAWS?
SAWS has proposed an 8% rate increase for 2026, which would raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill from $56.68 to $61.21.
Why is SAWS proposing a rate increase?
The proposed rate adjustment is driven by factors such as aging infrastructure, ongoing drought conditions, and new legislative requirements.
How is the community responding to the proposed rate increase?
Community members have expressed concerns about the potential financial burden on residents, leading the City Council to initiate a comprehensive review of SAWS’ financial strategies and the proposed rate hike.
What are the next steps in the rate adjustment process?
SAWS is conducting a cost-of-service study to assess the necessity and impact of the proposed rate adjustments. The findings are expected to inform the formal rate-setting process in the first half of 2026. If approved, the new rates would take effect in the first half of 2026.
When was the last rate increase by SAWS?
SAWS has not increased residential and commercial water and wastewater rates since 2020.
Key Features of the Proposed Rate Increase
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Rate Increase | 8% for 2026, raising average residential bill from $56.68 to $61.21. |
| Factors Influencing Increase | Aging infrastructure, ongoing drought conditions, new legislative requirements. |
| Community Response | Concerns about financial impact; City Council reviewing the proposal. |
| Next Steps | Cost-of-service study to inform rate-setting process; potential implementation in first half of 2026. |
| Last Rate Increase | No increases since 2020; 2023 restructuring lowered charges for most residential customers. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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