Glendale residents gathered at a City Council hearing on Tuesday evening to discuss a proposed water rate increase that could lift average water bills by roughly 53% in the first year. More than 40 community members spoke, with the majority opposing the plan and a handful acknowledging the need for infrastructure upgrades.
Resident opposition highlights financial strain
“I can’t pay you, my neighbor can’t pay you, you need to understand that,” one speaker said, echoing the sentiment of many who fear the hike could force families to leave Glendale. Another resident warned that the increase is “phenomenally cost prohibitive” and would create an undue financial burden on customers.
Kirsten Winter, a longtime Glendale homeowner, warned that her bill could double because of the zone in which she lives. “I live in a different zone than down here at the base of Glendale where my bill will be 100 percent higher in January,” she told the council. Winter has begun collecting signatures for a petition opposing the rate increase.
Utility explains need for higher rates
Glendale Water and Power (GWP) defended the proposal, stating that rising operational costs, necessary upgrades to an aging water system, and the significantly higher cost of imported water require additional revenue. GWP estimates that customers would see an average increase of about 53% in the first year, though actual amounts could vary based on location and usage.
The utility also outlined a $100 million capital improvement plan over the next five years to modernize the water infrastructure, a move it says is essential for long‑term reliability.
Procedural details and community response
GWP has sent Proposition 218 notices to customers, explaining the proposed rates and outlining how residents can formally protest. Some community members, however, claim they were not informed until September, leaving little time to organize opposition. “I’ve lived in the same house almost my entire life, and for the first time ever I think I may need to leave California,” Winter said.
Other speakers warned that the proposed hike could push families into a precarious financial position, potentially leading to defaults or relocation. “You don’t have to squeeze people dry with a 53 percent increase,” one resident argued, calling the proposal “cruel.”
Next steps
The City Council hearing continued into the night, with a vote on the proposed rates expected later that evening. If approved, the new water rates would take effect on January 1, 2027.
Both the council and GWP emphasized the importance of maintaining a reliable water supply for Glendale’s growing population, while residents urged the city to consider more affordable alternatives or phased implementations to lessen the immediate impact on households.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
