City of Phoenix to hold 4 meetings on proposed water rate increase

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is scheduled to hold four meetings to discuss a proposed water rate increase that will generate $1.7 billion for the city’s Capital Improvement Program.

According to a release by the city of Phoenix, the average single-family residential household will see an increase of $2.40 per month for water services if the measure passes through the city council.

Meetings will take place on Jan. 27 at 6:00 p.m., Feb. 4 at 12:00 p.m., Feb. 11 at 3:00 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 6:00 p.m. The Feb. 18 meeting will be in Spanish.

Money in the city’s Capital Improvement Program is meant to be used toward protecting public health and reducing operational costs for the city’s vast water system which features 7,050 miles of water distribution mains, 540 service area miles and 1,450 essential employees.

The program plans to focus funds on replacement of water pipes and also maintenance of utility treatment plants, pumps, reservoirs and wells.

Seventy-five percent of the program’s funds will be focused on updating the city’s current water infrastructure systems.

Following the four scheduled meetings, the final recommendation is scheduled to be presented to the Phoenix City Council on March 17.

If the measure passes, rate hikes could go into effect by the end of the year.

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