Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City's corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Austin Water.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
July 24, 2025 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20250724-20 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc.
For More Information:
Vicky Addie, Austin Water Program Coordinator, vicky.addie@austintexas.gov, 512-972-0332.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
September 17, 2025 -Denial of Aqua Texas Inc.'s proposed rates recommended by Water and Wastewater Commission on a vote of 8-0 with three absences.
Additional Backup Information:
Pursuant to Texas Water Code Chapter 13, Council has the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City's corporate limits who are served by non-City utilities. This includes the authority to determine that the rates are just and reasonable and that in all other respects, the rates meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City's process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings. As required by City Code, Austin Water Director will hold a formal meeting with Aqua Texas, Inc. on September 29, 2025.
Background/Introduction
On June 20, 2025, Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for all its customers in the State of Texas, including those within the corporate limits of Austin. Aqua Texas, Inc., is proposing to consolidate its water and wastewater operations in Texas into one statewide system with uniform rates. Currently, the company operates over 440 water systems, 500 water treatment plants, more than 60 sewer trea...
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