San Antonio water rates could rise by 2029 to fund system upgrades

City council members question the impact on ratepayers as SAWS proposes hikes to average bills

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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San Antonio residents could see their average SAWS water bill climb from $60 to $80 by 2029 under a proposed series of rate hikes to fund infrastructure repairs and employee wages. City council members are questioning the impact on ratepayers, and residents can weigh in at a public hearing before a final council vote.

Why it matters

The proposed rate hikes aim to address aging water infrastructure and employee compensation needs, but will significantly impact household budgets in a city where affordability is an ongoing concern. The public hearing allows residents to voice their perspectives as the city council weighs the tradeoffs.

The details

SAWS has proposed gradually increasing water rates over the next several years to fund system upgrades and employee wage increases. Under the plan, the average residential water bill could rise from around $60 currently to approximately $80 by 2029. City council members have expressed concerns about the burden this will place on ratepayers, particularly lower-income residents, and are seeking public input before a final vote in April.

  • A public hearing on the proposed rate hikes is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
  • The San Antonio City Council is expected to vote on the final rate increase plan on April 2, 2026.

The players

San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

The public utility that provides water and wastewater services to the San Antonio metropolitan area.

San Antonio City Council

The governing body of the City of San Antonio that will ultimately decide on the proposed SAWS rate increases.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Antonio.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Antonio resident (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The San Antonio City Council will hold a public hearing on March 3, 2026 to gather feedback from residents on the proposed SAWS rate increases before a final council vote on April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed SAWS rate hikes highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for infrastructure investment and employee compensation with the impact on household budgets, especially for lower-income residents. The public hearing process allows the community to weigh in on these tradeoffs as the city council makes its decision.