Why is SAWS raising our rates again? Seems like they do that every year.
This proposal is SAWS’ first residential water and sewer rate increase since 2020. In fact, SAWS lowered bills for most residential customers in 2023 after restructuring rates to make services more affordable for our most vulnerable citizens.
How was the amount of the rate adjustment determined?
In 2025, SAWS hired a national utility consultant to conduct a cost-of-service study. The aim was to determine how much customer revenue was needed to continue meeting SAWS’ financial obligations. SAWS staff used the results to create a rate plan to meet those needs.
How much of this increase will go to the proposed downtown Sports and Entertainment District and Spurs arena?
None. Since SAWS’ district cooling business operates as a completely separate utility, no water or sewer rates are used to fund it — now or in the future. If a decision is later made to expand the SAWS cooling plant on East Commerce Street, all costs would be paid either by developers or new customers for that service.
When would the new SAWS rates show up on my bill?
If approved in June, the 2026 rates would take effect in July and appear on August bills.
For additional FAQs, a customized rate calculator and more details, visit saws.org/rates2026.