Shiny, chrome tap with running water stream inside apartment bathroom. Close up shot, shallow depth of field, no people.
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — San Antonio residents will see higher water bills beginning Jan. 1 after City Council approved a multiyear SAWS rate increase in an 8-3 vote Thursday.
The plan calls for average monthly bills to rise by at least $13.45 through 2030, from $56.68 to more than $70. Depending on infrastructure needs, the cumulative rate increase could reach 29.2%.
The San Antonio Water System says the increases are needed to fund $2.6 billion in planned improvements over five years, including replacing 77 miles of deteriorating water lines and upgrading wastewater treatment facilities.
Council members Marc Whyte, Misty Spears and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez opposed the plan, citing concerns about affordability following the city’s recent property tax increase.
The approved plan also expands eligibility for SAWS’ Uplift assistance program to households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level. Eligible residents will be automatically enrolled.
The rate increases are slightly lower than SAWS’ original proposal after council members pushed for greater transparency and reductions to planned capital spending. Additional rate adjustments are scheduled for 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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