Post date: 11/19/2024

Centennial Water has adjusted its proposed rate increases for 2025 and will be presenting its recommendation to its Board of Directors at upcoming board meetings. After an initial proposed 6% blanket increase to rates, staff reevaluated its recommendation and although the result impacts the average residential customers’ pocketbooks the same at the end of the year, the increase is spread across its fixed and variable rates at different levels.

The increases reflect the areas of operations experiencing the highest growth in 2025. Operating and capital costs for water are rising faster than those for wastewater, thus making adjustments to water rates more necessary. Customers will notice increases in both fixed and variable water costs, while wastewater costs will see smaller adjustments, with some remaining unchanged.

The proposed increase for the variable water rate is 11%. If approved, customers will pay $5.32 per 1,000 gallons of water when they stay under their water budget. The water fixed fee has a 5% proposed increase. This compares to a wastewater variable proposed increase of 5%, and no increase on the fixed wastewater fee and infrastructure improvement fee.

“The way the new rates are structured encourages customers to be more mindful of their water use and encourages conservation throughout the year,” said General Manager Sam Calkins. “We’re committed to supporting our community with rebate and conservation programs designed to help customers save water during irrigation season. We will be hosting programs next year to empower customers to be more mindful of their water use and implement sustainable practices.

“In addition, the decision to keep fixed fees stable in 2025 was made in an effort to lessen the financial impact on customers who are on a fixed income.”

Centennial Water is committed to strong financial management and works diligently to minimize impacts on customers. Even with the proposed rate adjustments, Centennial Water remains one of the most affordable providers in the region.

How to provide feedback

A public hearing on the 2025 proposed rates and budget is taking place at Centennial Water’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The public hearing will be preceded by an overview of the proposed rates. The public can provide feedback during the specified public comment period and the board will take their comments into consideration before adopting the budget at its Dec. 10 Board of Directors meeting.

Centennial Water customers may provide feedback any time prior to the final adoption of the budget. Feedback will be accepted via email to info@centennialwater.org or mail sent to Centennial Water, Attn: Director of Finance and Administration, 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

The public is invited to attend Board of Directors meetings at 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, 80129, or virtually. An agenda and link to attend virtually will be available on Centennial Water’s website the Friday prior to each meeting.