NFBWA Study Projects Stable Water Authority Fees Through 2030: What Falcon Ranch Residents Should Know

Falcon Ranch / Katy / Fulshear

October 06 2026

For residents in Falcon Ranch whose water bills include a North Fort Bend Water Authority charge, a recent financial forecast offers encouraging news: the Authority’s groundwater and surface water fees are not anticipated to change through 2030. That outlook was presented to the NFBWA board on August 26, 2026, according to its official meeting minutes.

Dan V. Jackson of Willdan Financial Services presented the 2026 Water Rate Study and Financial Forecast Summary, including projected expenses and revenues. The meeting minutes record his forecast that both the Groundwater Reduction Plan Fee and Surface Water Fee would remain unchanged through 2030. That is a financial outlook, rather than a guaranteed rate freeze.

What the Forecast Means for Water Bills

NFBWA’s current fees are $4.55 per 1,000 gallons for groundwater and $4.90 per 1,000 gallons for surface water. Those amounts took effect January 1, 2022, and remain in effect in 2026. The Authority charges retail water providers, which pass the fees along to customers based on water use.

For households in Falcon Ranch that pay these charges, stable Authority fees would help keep one part of water costs predictable. Monthly bills could still change with consumption or the retail provider’s own charges. NFBWA says most providers add a markup to cover water loss and system operations, so residents should contact their provider for their exact rate.

Why Residents Pay an Authority Fee

The fee supports NFBWA’s efforts to reduce reliance on groundwater and prevent subsidence, the sinking of land associated with excessive groundwater pumping. Most fee revenue supports major infrastructure needed to deliver surface water. It also pays for water rights, operations, maintenance and administration. The Authority says it does not collect tax dollars to fund its infrastructure and operating costs.

Board Approved Additional Rate Analysis

At the August meeting, directors also approved an $18,000 engagement with Willdan for supplemental analysis of the difference between the forecasted groundwater and surface water fees. The minutes document authorization of that work, rather than its completion. Separately, the board authorized a preliminary notice to retail providers stating that no change to current fees was anticipated for 2027.

For now, the forecast offers some reassurance about NFBWA fees, though residents’ total water bills will still depend on how much water they use and what their local provider charges.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.