Chandler water bills to rise in March amid climbing costs for treatment, repairs

The Chandler City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to increase water, wastewater and reclaimed water rates.

BY HELENA WEGNER/PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL

Jan 26, 2026, 4:45 AM Updated: 11:49 am

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Chandler residents and businesses will have to pay higher utility rates soon.

City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to increase water, wastewater and reclaimed water rates during a Jan. 22 meeting, citing inflation, rising operating costs, capital construction materials and debt service costs as the reasons for the hikes.

Utility increases will begin March 2 and customers will see a 15% increase in their water and wastewater bills, along with an 18% increase in charges for reclaimed water. The monthly service charge for solid waste services will also increase by 6% for “residential collection and alley charges.”

Funding for $25,000 in utility assistance was also approved through the Acts of Kindness donation program, which helps low-income Chandler residents with their utility bills.

Operating costs are one reason the city increased the rates, and they include the chemicals and electricity used to provide safe drinking water and treat wastewater. Capital construction material costs have also grown.

This story is posted in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal. Click to read the full story.