San Antonio approves SAWS rate increases through 2030

San Antonio City Council voted 8-3 on Oct. 8 to approve four years of San Antonio Water System rate increases, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The plan projects the average residential monthly bill will rise from $56.68 to about $73.20 by 2030—an increase of roughly 29% for that average, not a uniform change for every household.

Council lowered the maximum residential increases for the plan’s final two years. Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Misty Spears and Marc Whyte voted against the overall plan.

Residential increases vary by year

The first two annual residential increases are set at 6.9% in 2027 and 6.5% in 2028, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The 2029 increase is to fall between 4.5% and 6.8%, and the 2030 increase between 4% and 6.2%.

The final two increases are not fixed at the maximums now. They are to be reviewed annually, with SAWS required to justify increases above the minimum, the Express-News reported. The San Antonio Current and Express-News give slightly different estimates for the average 2030 bill—$73.22 and $73.19, respectively—so the projection is approximately $73.20.

The council did not amend the separate schedules for commercial and irrigation customers. Commercial rates are reported to rise 5.1% to 7.8% annually, while irrigation rates are set to increase 3.9% to 7.6% annually. Both local reports say customers enrolled in SAWS’ Uplift affordability program are exempt from the increases.

Rate plan tied to infrastructure spending

SAWS has said the increases are needed to maintain and upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure. The utility’s proposed work includes replacing aging water and sewer pipes, modernizing treatment plants and adding emergency backup power.

SAWS CEO Robert Puente told council the residential amendment would require cuts to the utility’s capital improvement program. Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito said the change was intended to limit the effect on bills while allowing SAWS to proceed with its plans.

The approval followed council’s earlier postponement of consideration, according to the Current. Council discussions also raised questions about SAWS decision-making and accountability. Puente said those discussions created an opportunity for a more open and responsive working relationship with council offices.

The first rate increases are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Residential increases for 2029 and 2030 will be determined through the reported annual review process.