Oro Valley residents could see higher water bills this summer after the town council voted to approve a notice of intent to increase water rates.

The rate change would go into effect after June 3, with the town manager's office noting a 15% population increase from 2010 to 2020. This steady growth has already put the town on track to increase spending on water utilities.

Water rates charged to taxpayers should be increased preemptively to maintain current revenue projections, according to a 2026 water rate report.

"I'm going to vote in favor of this," Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett said during the March 4 meeting. "But I will say there are some things that are not my preference."

Barrett expressed concern that the rate structure may give residents the impression they are subsidizing commodity and reclaimed water rates at their own expense.

The current rationale is that reclaimed water rates do not need to change because the systems are relatively new and require little maintenance, while commodity rates effectively subsidize themselves.

Councilman Josh Nicolson reiterated Barrett's concern, saying that just because the reclaimed water systems are newer than the potable systems does not mean they are immune to needing maintenance.

"It makes sense to slowly increase their (reclaimed) rates, just like a new homeowner development," he said. "They get new pipes but their rates go up just with everyone else."

For most residents, the change would be negligible. The report found that 80% of single-family homes have a 5/8-inch meter and use an average of 7,000 gallons per month, putting the typical rate increase at about $1.86, or 3.6% of the bill.

Those with larger pipes, such as 2-inch meters, could see an increase of up to $14.91.

The report also notes that a majority of Oro Valley residents have been practicing water conservation, whether intentionally through drought-tolerant landscaping or incidentally through more efficient appliances, resulting in an overall decline in water use.

Barrett said some residents might oppose the measure as a way to encourage even more water conservation.

The Town of Marana previously attempted a similar water rate change that was met with backlash from residents.

A previous attempt by Project Blue to reallocate Tucson's water supply also drew backlash, leaving some Marana residents wary of any new water-related costs.

Residents have the opportunity to review the water rate report and provide comments before the final vote on June 3.

Quentin Agnello is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at qsagnello@gmail.com.

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