A plan to strengthen our city’s water and sewer systems is on track for consideration by SAWS Trustees and San Antonio City Council.
The four-year rate proposal, which would increase the average household bill by less than $5 in 2026, was presented to the SAWS Board at a public hearing April 7. SAWS leaders say the new rates are needed for $3.2 billion in improvements to San Antonio’s infrastructure:
Stopping leaks to protect the future
Replacing high-risk water pipes can save up to 1.4 billion gallons of water over five years.
Modernizing infrastructure to preserve our environment
Repairing 60-year-old wastewater plants avoids higher future repair costs and risks to public health and safety.
Providing uninterrupted service when you need it most
Installing backup generators secures water delivery, even during an extended power outage.
The SAWS Board was expected to vote on the proposal at its May 19 meeting. The plan would then go to San Antonio City Council for consideration later in May or June.
If approved, the rates would take effect on or after July 1 with the new charges appearing on August bills.
Even with these changes, the typical residential SAWS bill would still be among the lowest in Texas. And our Uplift assistance program will expand to protect even more of our neighbors in need.
To learn how the new rates would affect your bill, visit saws.org/rates2026.