Highlands Ranch Water has released its 2027 Proposed Budget. The proposed budget includes rate increases necessary to help cover rising operating costs and continued investment in the infrastructure that provides safe, reliable water and wastewater services to customers.

Operating expenses next year are expected to increase by approximately $9.7 million compared to projected 2026 expenditures. These increases are driven by higher costs to purchase water, maintain and operate our treatment facilities, replace aging water meters, and meet debt obligations.

The district also plans to invest approximately $41.9 million in infrastructure improvements in 2027. Major projects include continued upgrades to our water treatment plant, improvements to water storage and delivery systems, and replacement of aging infrastructure.

Design of Phase 2 of the Joseph B. Blake Water Treatment Plant upgrade is currently underway. Initial design includes upgrades to the plant’s filtration system, new storage and feed system for powdered activated carbon, pump station upgrades, and new diesel backup generators.

These investments help ensure the district can continue meeting our community's water needs, maintain reliable service, and plan for the future.

The proposed budget includes water and wastewater rate increases that will go into effect the first full billing cycle after Jan. 1, 2027. If adopted, the rate changes would increase bills by 6.7%. This equates to an average of $7.75 per month for single-family customers.

Unlike some other water utilities, Highlands Ranch Water does not receive revenue from property taxes. The district is funded primarily through water and wastewater rates, which pay for the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements necessary to provide reliable service to the community.

“Our top priority is ensuring every family continues to receive the safe, high-quality water and wastewater services they depend on daily,” said Sam Calkins, general manager of Highlands Ranch Water. “By investing in our system today, we are actively securing the strong infrastructure and sustainable water resources our community needs to thrive for generations to come. We are committed to managing our resources responsibly and maintaining the quality and reliability of services our customers expect.”

Highlands Ranch Water’s proposed budget is available for review on the district’s website beginning Oct. 20 at highlandsranchwater.org. A hard copy of the document is also available to review now at the district’s main office located at 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. 

Budget Process

The Highlands Ranch Water board of directors will discuss rates and fees during the budget workshop in early November. A public hearing on the budget and rates will be held at the November board meeting on Monday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 pm at the Hendrick Office Building, 62 Plaza Drive in Highlands Ranch. During the meeting, staff will present the proposed budget to the board. The public can provide feedback at the public hearing during the specified public comment period. The board of directors will take comments from customers into consideration before adopting the budget at the Dec. 8 board of directors meeting.

Learn more about the 2027 proposed budget and rates

Highlands Ranch Water customers are invited to a Fall Community Open House on Nov. 5 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center. The open house is an opportunity for customers to learn more about the proposed 2027 budget and rates, including what water and wastewater rates fund and the budget process and timeline. Staff will be available for one-on-one conversations and to answer questions.

The event also provides an opportunity to learn more about other programs, services, and projects across the district. Customers can visit with staff about conservation, drought and water supply, capital improvement planning, your water bill, and the May 2027 board of directors election.

How to Provide Feedback

In addition to providing feedback at the public hearing on Nov. 30, Highlands Ranch Water customers and stakeholders can review the proposed budget and submit feedback any time prior to the final adoption on Dec. 8. Feedback can be sent via email to contactus@hrwater.org or mailed to Highlands Ranch Water, Attn: Director of Finance & Administration, 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

Timeline