FAQs

In 2023, the City adopted a rate structure following a formal rate study. That structure included scheduled increases through 2026. Since that time, wholesale water costs and operating expenses have risen faster than projected, and long-term infrastructure needs have become clearer. As a result, revenues and expenses must be brought back into alignment to maintain a financially stable utility.

To keep the system reliable, the Water Fund has borrowed from the City’s general budget to cover shortfalls, the general fund cannot continue to cover this. Adjusting rates will help the utility stand on its own and ensure we can continue providing safe, reliable service without relying on other City funds. For detailed information read the news article Where Your Water Bill Goes & Future Needs on this site.

Currently the city does not charge a stormwater fee, and the City does not have identified funding for stormwater projects. Water rates established in 2023 are shown below:

After evaluating feedback from the survey and open house, staff will prepare rate options for City Council to consider in February. When options are developed, information will be posted to help property owners understand the proposed changes. At this time, the City is collecting feedback. 

Many pipes in our water system were installed between the 1950s and 1980s. Older pipes are more likely to break, causing service outages, property damage and emergency repairs. Planned replacements can be coordinated with street resurfacing, saving money and reducing disruption. Delaying replacements increases the risk of costly emergencies. Ensuring valves are replaced also helps isolate the breaks to reduce impacts to residents. 

No. Edgewater’s water utility rates pay for buying water from Denver Water, while sewer rates pay for processing sanitation waste by Metro Water Recovery as well as operating and maintaining the distribution system. They do not fund other City services. There is currently no stormwater fee. 

Update - March 2026: City Council has decided not to implement a stormwater fee at this time. The stormwater system does not currently have a dedicated funding source, and long-term funding options will be evaluated in future discussions.

As part of this project, the City is asking residents whether a monthly stormwater fee should be created to fund drainage projects and flood prevention. Feedback from public engagement will help guide the City in making a decision in the future. 

Edgewater’s storm sewer pipes and inlets are aging, with replacements expected to cost about $17 million over the next few decades. Right now, there’s no dedicated stormwater fund, so repairs were paid out of the sanitary sewer account. The sanitary sewer has its own needs and Edgewater needs to ensure there is funding to expand and maintain our storm sewer system. 

City Council plans to review new water and sewer rates when it updates the fee schedule around March 2026. If adopted, new rates would be adjusted on the first utility bill for March mailed in April 2026. Trash, recycling and composting fees will increase based on costs charged by service providers.