How much residents pay for water in Houston is a significant focus of the ongoing “Drained” investigation. The city may hire a consulting company to study its water rates.
This week, city council members will vote on whether to approve the hiring of a consulting firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, to analyze the city’s water rates. The last water rate study was conducted in 2019 and resulted in a five-year consecutive rate hike, with the final increase already approved for 2026.
If approved by the council, the consultants will assess the expenses incurred by Houston Public Works and determine if water rates need to be adjusted to cover those costs.
The study is expected to cost the city up to $804,095 over two years.
The most recent water rate increase occurred on April 1, raising rates by 6 percent for the average residential water customer.
Prior to the rate increases approved in 2021, the city had not adjusted water rates since 2010, despite inflation. Notably, the cost of this study is nearly double what the city paid in 2019, when council approved $438,926 for similar consulting services.
The council’s decision on the consulting contract for the water rate study will be closely monitored. We will let you know what happens.
