Berthoud Residents Face Higher Water Utility Bills

5% increase for water, 8% increase for wastewater due to infrastructure upgrades and compliance costs

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising costs of municipal water services and the need for infrastructure upgrades.Berthoud's water and wastewater rate hikes fund critical infrastructure improvements to meet growing demand and environmental regulations.Berthoud Today

Berthoud residents and property owners are seeing a 5% increase in water rates and an 8% increase in wastewater rates starting in February 2026. The rate hikes are the result of a 2023 master plan study that found the town's previous rates were not keeping up with inflation and necessary infrastructure maintenance and improvements. The increases will help fund pipeline expansions, equipment upgrades, and an expansion of the wastewater treatment plant to meet new regulations and accommodate the town's growth.

Why it matters

As Berthoud continues to grow, the town must invest in upgrading its aging water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure reliable service and compliance with environmental and public health regulations. These rate increases, while impacting residents' utility bills, are necessary to fund these critical improvements.

The details

The average monthly increase for water and wastewater is $7.75 per utility account. The rate hikes will help cover the costs of expanding pipe systems on the east side of town, replacing outdated equipment, and adding capacity at the wastewater treatment plant to bring it into compliance with new regulations. The wastewater plant expansion project, launched in 2025, is expected to be completed this year.

  • February utility bills, sent out on February 5, 2026, reflect the increased rates for January water usage.
  • The town began raising rates annually starting in 2022 to keep up with inflation and infrastructure needs.

The players

Ken Matthews

Director of water utilities for the Town of Berthoud.

Town of Berthoud

The municipal government responsible for providing water and wastewater services to Berthoud residents and businesses, including those in unannexed fringe areas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a routine process that all utilities have to go through. Our rates here in Berthoud, even with this increase, are still below the average of our peers along the Front Range.”

— Ken Matthews, Director of water utilities

“Water and wastewater have a lot of environmental and public health and safety requirements. The State of Colorado has a whole list of regulations that have to be complied with to run a water and wastewater system.”

— Ken Matthews, Director of water utilities

What’s next

The Town of Berthoud will continue to monitor revenues and expenses to determine if and when future rate increases may be required to keep up with infrastructure needs and regulatory compliance.

The takeaway

While the rate hikes will impact Berthoud residents' utility bills, they are necessary investments in the town's aging water and wastewater systems to ensure reliable service, environmental compliance, and the capacity to support the community's growth.