Scottsdale Residents Face Potential Water Bill Hike

City Council considers 4.5% increase to cover rising costs and infrastructure needs

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Scottsdale City Council has voted to give notice of an intent to raise water rates by 4.5% for the second year in a row. City officials say the hike is needed to cover rising electricity costs and replace aging infrastructure, with an additional 1% going towards securing new water sources due to uncertainty over Colorado River water allocations.

Why it matters

This proposed water rate increase in Scottsdale follows a similar 25% hike in the neighboring city of Gilbert, reflecting the broader challenges facing Arizona communities in managing water resources and infrastructure amid rising costs. The decisions will impact household budgets and raise questions about the long-term sustainability of water supplies in the region.

The details

Scottsdale gets about 70% of its water supply from the Central Arizona Project, which brings Colorado River water to the state's most populated areas. However, the city anticipates reductions in Colorado River allocations and is exploring options like purchasing water credits, accessing more groundwater, and expanding conservation efforts to address the issue. The city manager has cautioned the council that direction is needed for a final rate model to address these water supply uncertainties.

  • The Scottsdale City Council voted on Tuesday, February 25, 2026 to give notice of an intent to raise water rates.
  • A public hearing and final vote on the proposed 4.5% water rate increase are scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Scottsdale City Council

The governing body of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona that is considering a proposed 4.5% increase in water rates.

Greg Caton

The Scottsdale City Manager who cautioned the council about the uncertainty surrounding Arizona's water resources, particularly the Colorado River.

Gilbert Town Council

The governing body of the neighboring City of Gilbert, Arizona that recently voted to raise water rates by 25%.

Darrell Grossen

A Gilbert resident who criticized the back-to-back water rate increases in his community, saying "Everybody's mad. Everybody thinks it's ridiculous. They can't believe how much water rates have gone up."

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What they’re saying

“There is significant uncertainty with Arizona water resources, particularly regarding the Colorado River and its expiring usage guidelines.”

— Greg Caton, Scottsdale City Manager (abc15.com)

“Everybody's mad. Everybody thinks it's ridiculous. They can't believe how much water rates have gone up.”

— Darrell Grossen, Gilbert resident (abc15.com)

What’s next

The Scottsdale City Council will hold a public hearing and take a final vote on the proposed 4.5% water rate increase on May 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed water rate hike in Scottsdale, following a similar increase in the neighboring city of Gilbert, highlights the broader challenges facing Arizona communities in managing water resources and infrastructure amid rising costs. These decisions will impact household budgets and raise questions about the long-term sustainability of water supplies in the region, underscoring the need for comprehensive water management strategies.