The San Antonio City Council is now considering a slightly lower series of rate hikes for San Antonio Water System (SAWS) customers. The water utility is looking to raise additional revenue, in large part, for billions of dollars’ worth of capital expenses, including upgrading wastewater treatment plants, replacing pipes and installing backup generators.

Proposed Rate Hike

Last month, SAWS trustees recommended a four-year series of rate hikes that would raise a typical residential bill by up to $18.51 by 2029 — a 32.7% increase. That equates to an extra $222 per year. Following a review of the utility’s proposal, though, city staff presented an amended series of smaller rate hikes with which they said the water utility agrees.

The size of the increases for 2028 and 2029 in the newest proposal could vary, resulting in a total monthly increase somewhere between $14.80 and $16.92 on an average residential bill — or 26.1% to 29.9%. That works out to an extra $178 to $203 per year. Residents could see their bills increase as early as July 1, with subsequent increases each January.

City Council Reaction

But any increase requires City Council approval, and there are skeptics among the 11 members on the dais. Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito (D7) brought up the financial squeeze that residents face from the gas pump to the grocery store, as well as concerns about frequent leaking pipes.

SAWS CEO Robert Puente said if the utility isn’t approved for a rate increase this time, it would be back in the fall to try again. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is part of the SAWS board and is in favor of an increase. She acknowledged rising prices SAWS customers face elsewhere but said “that doesn’t make the need for these water projects any less important or any less urgent to address.”

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.