Highlands Ranch Water’s Board of Directors held a public hearing Monday, Nov. 24 regarding its 2026 proposed budget and rates. After hearing from members of the public and reviewing staff’s recommendations, the Board directed staff to revise the rate increases that were presented in the 2026 Proposed Budget. The change will result in a lower rate increase than was originally proposed.

The Board is recommending a 6% increase plus a $2.25 increase to the infrastructure improvement fee. This is lower than the 7.5% increase which was presented in the Proposed Budget and equates to an increase of about $8.75/month for the average single-family home.

Adoption of the updated 2026 budget will take place at the district’s Dec. 9 Board of Directors meeting. The meeting begins at 6 pm at the Hendrick Office Building, 62 Plaza Drive. The public is invited to attend.

If adopted, customers will see increases in both fixed and variable water and wastewater costs. The change is necessary to fund rising operational costs including chemical costs, surface water leases, legal costs, wages and benefits, and significant capital investment to fund the upgrade to the district’s Joseph B. Blake Water Treatment Plant. The rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, and will be reflected in a customer’s first full billing cycle of the year.

“These rate adjustments reflect the real-world increases we’re seeing in the cost to do business and to continue providing safe, reliable drinking water,” said General Manager Sam Calkins. “From chemicals and energy to labor and regulatory compliance, the cost to treat and deliver water that meets all state and federal standards continues to rise.

“The Board’s direction to reduce the proposed rate increases after last night’s public hearing is a response to customers’ concerns and reflects our desire to minimize the financial burden on our community,” Calkins added.