As inflation rose to its highest level in more than 40 years this summer, a local group of citizen volunteers was putting the finishing touches on a plan to make water and sewer services easier on the pocketbook — especially for San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents.
A new SAWS rate structure, proposed by the utility’s Rate Advisory Committee, or RAC, aims to reduce wastewater charges on 100% of residential bills, while 83% will include reduced water charges.
The reduced water charges apply to residential customers who use 9,000 gallons or less per month.
Those with higher use will see a modest cost increase, to further encourage water conservation.
The average residential customer will see their total SAWS bill reduced by $5.80, from $66.68 to $60.88.
For customers who meet income requirements and enroll in SAWS’ Affordability Discount Program, 98% of bills will be lower. This discounted rate will be funded through a new Uplift Assistance Program Fee.
“We know our city has a high percentage of residents living below the federal poverty level,” said Mary Bailey, SAWS vice president of customer experience. “The new rates will provide more help than ever before for nearly every customer in our Affordability Discount Program.”
The proposal also includes new rates for commercial, wholesale, irrigation and recycled water customers.
SAWS carries out a rate study about every five years. This helps ensure revenue will continue to meet the costs of providing service while making sure those costs are shared fairly across each customer type.
The Rate Advisory Committee is made up of customers from every part of SAWS’ service area, including residential, multifamily and recycled water customers, as well as large and small businesses, manufacturers, and environmental and community groups.
If approved by the SAWS Board of Trustees and San Antonio City Council, the new rates will take effect in January 2023.
To learn more about the proposed rates and how they were determined, visit saws.org/rac.