Proposed Utility Rate and Stormwater Fee Updates for 2026

Edgewater has completed a detailed review of utility costs and infrastructure needs, informed by engineering work and community input. Proposed water rate updates and a new stormwater fee will be presented to City Council on February 17 as part of the annual fee schedule process. The information below summarizes the current proposal. These updates support reliable water service, planned pipe replacement, and a reduced risk of emergency outages, while keeping rates aligned with the actual cost of providing service.

Proposed Water Rates - Option 1

Monthly Service Fees

Water Usage Rates (per 1,000 gallons)

Proposed Water Rates - Option 2

A second option was created to keep base water rates closer to previously planned 2026 levels by adding a flat monthly $20 capital fee to all customers. While this approach clearly identifies funding for infrastructure replacement, it places a larger share of the increase on lower-volume water users.

How Water Rates Would Be Adjusted Going Forward

Under the recommended approach, water rates would be reviewed and adjusted each March beginning in 2027, based on Denver Water’s annual wholesale rate changes. This structure is intended to keep Edgewater’s rates aligned with the real costs of providing water service, including purchasing water and replacing aging pipes over time. Recent engineering work indicates that approximately $5 million in water system replacements will be needed over the next 18–20 years to maintain reliability and reduce emergency repairs.

Usage rate structure:

• Tier 1 = Denver Water usage rate + 30%

• Tier 2 = Tier 1 + 25%

• Tier 3 = Tier 2 + 30%

Service fees:

• Adjusted annually based on Denver Water’s meter fee increase percentage, applied to Edgewater’s existing service charges.

Stormwater Fee Proposal

Staff are also recommending adding a stormwater fee beginning in 2026. Edgewater does not currently have a dedicated funding source for stormwater infrastructure, which includes pipes and drains that carry rain and snowmelt away from streets, homes, and businesses.

A stormwater fee would create a dedicated fund to support inspections, maintenance, and repairs of the stormwater system. Additional background on stormwater infrastructure needs and funding options is available on this project page. City Council will consider whether to establish a stormwater fee as part of the 2026 fee schedule. The options below reflect approaches discussed during the review process.

Option 1

• 1–6 residential units: $6.00 per month

• 7+ residential units: $9.00 per month

Option 2

• All residential and commercial properties: $7.50 per month

Other Utility Rates

Updates to sanitary sewer, trash, recycling, and compost rates reflect cost increases passed on to the City by service providers and are included in the annual fee schedule.

Additional Information

City Council will consider the proposed utility rates and stormwater fee on February 17 as part of its review of the 2026 fee schedule. Background on utility funding, infrastructure needs, and the public engagement process is available throughout this project page.