SAWS shifts rate plan to 2027–2030, lowers four‑year minimum impact to 23.7%

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) told City Council on Sept. 30 that it has revised its previously proposed rate increases and is recommending a four‑year plan beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The revised plan, SAWS officials said, lowers the minimum cumulative residential impact over the plan from 26.1% to 23.7% and keeps the 2027 and 2028 fixed adjustments at 6.9% and 6.5%, respectively. Robert Puente of SAWS said the shift to a 2027–2030 schedule avoids back‑to‑back adjustments near year‑end and preserves the system’s key investments.

City staff recommended approving the revised schedule and attendant accountability measures. Troy Ilet, chief financial officer, said the city’s review identified $141,100,000 in changes to SAWS assumptions and operating budgets that reduced modeled rate pressure. He said staff supports the revised plan but that any adjustments above the plan’s agreed maximums should be subject to administrative review and a report back to council. Under the proposal, SAWS will begin a new rate study and cost‑of‑service analysis in 2027 to validate future capital needs and rates.

Why it matters: Council members repeatedly emphasized affordability for residents while also noting urgent wastewater and long‑term water‑supply investments. The SAWS presenters told council they restored certain high‑priority projects while trimming other work to stay within the revised financial plan. The SAWS board will hold a second public hearing Oct. 6; if the board approves, the plan will return to City Council for consideration on Oct. 8.

"We still have aging infrastructure," Robert Puente said. "We still have water mains that need to be replaced. Major wastewater treatment investments must still be made."