City Council Considers Water and Wastewater Increase
Last week Houston Public Works brought to Council a plan that would increase rates for Houston residents. According to the department the recommended water and wastewater rates create a framework for a sustainable utility in alignment with the City’s priorities, stated in the Resilient Houston plan. This recognizes the critical role for the region as the owner of significant water rights granted by the State of Texas, the responsibility to serve Houston, recognition of Houston’s aging infrastructure, historic inequities in infrastructure investment, and the impact to each Houstonian – from financial impacts to clear and transparent customer service.Council is scheduled to vote on the increase this week. Here is what you need to know.
Houston Public Works is recommending that City Council adopt updates for water & wastewater rates to cover the increasing cost of service including:
- Resources to continue water & wastewater services
- Maintenance of water & wastewater infrastructure
- Reduced water main breaks
- Reduced sanitary sewer overflows
- Improved resilience against hurricanes, freezes & climate change
- Ability to comply with the Consent Decree
- Ability to comply with federal regulations rather than pay penalties for violations caused by lack of investment
What does this mean for Houstonians?It is estimated that over the next five years, about 60% of consumers would see about a $5 increase in their monthly bill beginning in July. This rate would increase over the next five years (see chart).
Single Utility Bill – Single Family Residential 5/8 Inch Meter with 3,000 Gallons Usage
For more information about the rate increase click this HERE.
We want your input. To take a survey click HERE.
To sign up to speak for public comments, please call the City Secretary’s Office at 832-393-1100. If you need translation services, please notify staff when registering. All speakers must register in advance (Monday, June 21st, 2021 by 3 p.m.).
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