San Juan Approves Phased Water, Sewer Rate Increases Through 2030

SAN JUAN, Texas — The San Juan City Commission voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance increasing water and sewer rates following a public hearing during a recent meeting.

The ordinance establishes a phased rate schedule beginning in April 2026, with additional adjustments scheduled annually through 2030.

City officials said the changes follow a water and wastewater rate study evaluating the long-term financial needs of the city’s utility system.

Finance Director Maria “Lulu” Beltran told commissioners the adjustments are intended to address operational costs and help maintain the city’s infrastructure.

Under the approved ordinance, the residential water base rate will increase from $12.05 per month to $13.98 beginning in April 2026. The rate will continue rising in stages, reaching $20.43 by January 2030.

Water usage charges will also increase gradually. The lowest usage tier — currently $1.65 per 1,000 gallons for the first 10,999 gallons — will increase to $1.91 in 2026 and reach $2.80 by 2030.

Sewer rates will follow a similar schedule. The residential sewer base rate will increase from $11.00 to $12.21 in April 2026 and rise to $15.69 by 2030.

During the public hearing, some resident raised concerns about the size of the increases and their potential impact on households and businesses.

City officials noted San Juan has not implemented a major water or sewer rate adjustment since 2009, and said the phased schedule is intended to address rising costs while maintaining the long-term stability of the utility system.