Phoenix Water Rates Increasing
Responding to rising costs, on June 28, 2023 the Phoenix City Council approved water and wastewater rate increases, to be effective in October 2023, March 2024, and March 2025.
View the approved rate schedules for October 2023, March 2024, and March 2025.
The cost increases through fiscal year 2023/2024 are:
Raw water ↑ 35%
Water electricity ↑ 12%
Water chemicals ↑ 136%
Water personnel ↑ 38%
Wastewater electricity ↑ 17%
Wastewater chemicals ↑ 51%
Wastewater personnel ↑ 16%
Preliminary estimates show the average residential customer will see an increase for water service (Water Usage Fee) of approximately 6.5% or $2 in October 2023, with additional increases in March 2024 (6.5%) and March 2025 (13%).
For wastewater service, the average residential customer will see an increase of approximately 6.5% or $1.60 in October 2023 with additional increases in March 2024 (6.5%) and March 2025 (7%)
Water Allowance and Conservation
The proposal also includes changing the water allowance structure to encourage water conservation, which could result in some customers paying an additional amount of approximately $4 more beginning in October 2023. The Phoenix Water Services Dept. has a seasonal structure for rates where charges are higher in the hotter seasons and lower in the cooler seasons. It is designed to encourage water conservation and discourage excessive water use in the summer when outdoor water use increases. The City of Phoenix declared a Stage 1 Water Alert on June 1, 2022, and that alert is still in place. With conditions on the Colorado River expected to worsen, Phoenix Water customers must prioritize conservation.
Components of the Increase
Current Volume Allowance
4,488 gallons (6 units) - October through May (cooler months)
7,480 gallons (10 units) - June through September (warmer months)
New Volume Allowance
3,740 gallons (5 units) - October through May (cooler months)
5,984 gallons (8 units) - June through September (warmer months)
Residents in the City of Phoenix still enjoy some of the most affordable water services compared to similar cities, and customers who conserve water will be able to lessen the impact of the higher rates.
