Austin Water Rates Rise Tomorrow, October 1: What Customers Should Know
Austin Water’s new water and wastewater rates take effect tomorrow, October 1. Customers reviewing their household budgets can expect higher charges, with the utility’s published residential example showing a combined monthly increase of $7.76.
This change applies to Austin Water customers. It does not automatically apply to every household in the Austin region or to customers of neighboring cities and utility districts.
What the Increase Looks Like
Austin Water’s rate-adjustment fact sheet compares bills using 5,800 gallons of water and 4,000 gallons of wastewater. In that example:
- The water portion rises from $47.45 to $50.49, an increase of $3.04.
- The wastewater portion rises from $52.46 to $57.18, an increase of $4.72.
- The combined amount rises from $99.91 to $107.67, an increase of $7.76.
The water example includes the Water Reserve Fund Surcharge and Community Benefit Charge; the wastewater example includes the Community Benefit Charge. These figures cover water and wastewater, rather than every service that may appear on a City of Austin utility bill.
Actual bills depend on usage, meter size, applicable charges and assistance-program participation. The example is a comparison using the utility’s stated consumption levels, not a fixed increase for every customer.
Why the Rates Are Changing
Austin Water links the adjustment to rising operating costs, investment in infrastructure for a growing population and the need for reliable systems during severe weather. Its rate planning also considers affordability and water conservation.
The utility has posted the 2026–27 rate schedules, effective October 1, alongside the previous schedules. Separate tables are available for residential, commercial, multifamily and other customer classes.
Help With Utility Bills
The City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Program offers utility-bill discounts for qualifying residential customers on low or fixed incomes who participate in certain state, federal or local assistance programs.
Customers can review assistance information through City of Austin Utilities or call 512-494-9400 and ask to speak with a Customer Assistance Program representative. Checking eligibility can be especially useful for households already having trouble keeping up with utility expenses.
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