San Antonio City Council Approves Water Rate Hike to Fund $2.6 Billion Infrastructure Plan

The San Antonio City Council has approved a new rate increase for the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), which will see average residential water bills rise by 6.9%, or $3.91, in 2027. This marks the first rate adjustment for many customers in seven years and is part of a broader plan extending through 2030.

The additional revenue generated by these increases will support SAWS's ambitious five-year, $2.6 billion capital improvement plan. This significant investment is earmarked for enhancing critical water and wastewater infrastructure across the city. The approval came after a four-month delay and subsequent negotiations, which led to a reduction in the maximum proposed rate increases for 2029 and 2030 from SAWS's initial request.

Beyond residential customers, businesses and apartment complexes, categorized as general class customers, will experience a 5.1% increase in 2027, with cumulative increases projected to reach 33% by 2030. SAWS also plans to expand its Uplift Program, offering reduced rates for low-income residents, aiming to increase enrollment by 25% to 30% over the next four years. For developers and property owners, these approved rate adjustments signal rising operational costs but also promise improved and more reliable water and wastewater infrastructure.