Why do I have to pay more per gallon if I use more water?

The City has had tiered water rates since 2008 when the state legislature began requiring cities to adopt conservation rate structures. Click here to see the new 2020 tiers.

The new tiers comply with the state law that requires water utilities to adopt rates that promote water conservation. In addition, the tiered rates allocate infrastructure costs more fairly across users. The City has to build enough wells and water towers to meet summer demand. Replacement of water pipes occurs during this time. Some of this capacity is unused during the winter months, so it makes sense to charge peak users more for the infrastructure built to meet peak summer demand. The higher rates are targeted toward lawn sprinkling and outdoor use which allows the City to keep indoor water use affordable to everyone.


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1. What do my water rates pay for?
2. Why do I have to pay more per gallon if I use more water?
3. Why is water conservation important?