SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio water rates could increase in the coming months.
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) discussed its financial needs on Tuesday with the city council, which will decide if a rate hike moves forward.
Though SAWS hasn’t made a final recommendation, we got a peek at what’s possible last month. SAWS staff laid out a plan that could raise the average customer’s monthly bill by $4 to $5 each year for the next four years. They said the initial increase would still keep bills lower than before the utility restructured its rates a few years ago.
SAWS is preparing customers for higher bills and offering practical advice on saving water and reducing costs.
Here are tips from SAWS to help you save water:
- Sprinklers use a lot of water, so use them wisely. During drought conditions, such as the current one, follow watering restrictions to avoid fines.
- Choose native plants or green cover for landscaping. These plants need less water, and SAWS often offers rebate programs for replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants.
- Maintain water softeners, pools, and sprinkler systems regularly. SAWS recommends yearly inspections to catch leaks or malfunctioning equipment early.
- Use your smart meter to track water usage on your phone. This can help you detect leaks early.
A council vote on new rates likely won’t happen until at least April.