Why is the rate structure changing?
1. We're moving to a more individualized structure based on average winter water consumption; however, each customer's bill will still depend on how much water they actually use.


2. Denver Water's priorities for 2016 and the changes to the rate structure will allow us to continue improving our water system while ensuring essential water use remains affordable for our customers.


3. Denver Water has carefully created a new rate structure that will begin to shift our revenue from such a heavy reliance on usage to a more stable fixed fee over the next few years.


4. More stable revenue will mean that the future rate increases can be minimized and be less susceptible to increases due to fluctuations in outdoor water use resulting from unpredictable weather.


5. The new structure will provide a more stable source of revenue that Denver Water needs to continue to collect, treat and deliver safe, reliable water to its customers.


Fixed Monthly Charge: based on meter size ($8.79 for a 3/4" meter, or 1 SFE)
1st Tier: average indoor use/essential use (e.g. water for hygiene, drinking, etc.)
2nd Tier: outdoor use
3rd Tier: excessive use

Show All Answers

1. Why are rates increasing?
2. Why is the rate structure changing?
3. What is Average Winter Consumption (AWC) and how is it determined?
4. Why did you choose January through March to determine AWC?
5. What is the fixed monthly charge (formerly known as the "service charge")?
6. What is my meter size?
7. Can't I intentionally increase my winter usage to gain a higher tier 1?
8. I'm a low user, isn't this benefitting higher users?
9. What do the rates and fixed monthly charge pay for?
10. Where can I find more information about the 2016 water rates?