Summary
Water rates go up 8% in each of the next two fiscal years if the Council adopts the ordinance, with a 10% peak-season bump on heavy single-family summer use and a new higher bulk rate for the Lab. The utility is trying to rebuild cash reserves that have fallen below policy targets.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
8% rate increases each of the next two years; average residential bills stay well below Santa Fe's but above Española's.
Long-term ratepayers and the utility fund, which needs reserve rebuilding to pay for repairs and operations.
Households using more than 9,000 gallons in peak season and LANL, which faces a higher bulk rate.
Mentions & discussions (6)
County Council - Regular Session — September 29, 2026
Council adopted the corrected water rate ordinance with 8% increases in 2027 and 2028. Residents said stacked utility hikes are making Los Alamos unaffordable for young families and seniors; staff pointed to inflation, capital needs, and regional rate comparisons.
Board of Public Utilities — July 22, 2026
The water rate ordinance had procedural problems, so the board pulled it and will start fresh next month — rates would still take effect October 1 if passed on schedule.
County Council - Regular Session — June 30, 2026
Water customers face two consecutive 8% rate hikes in FY27 and FY28 to build reserves for aging infrastructure like water main and well replacement. The ordinance also fixes what staff admitted was an undercharged bulk rate for LANL. Critics questioned raising rates while residents conserve water.
Board of Public Utilities Work Session — June 3, 2026
The program helped 70 households with $23,138 this year. Staff proposed raising the minimum benefit to $22 and maximum to $174 to keep pace with roughly 11% in coming electric, gas, water, and sewer rate increases, and will study fairer calculations for middle-income households.
Board of Public Utilities — May 20, 2026
Water rates go up 8% in each of the next two fiscal years if the Council adopts the ordinance, with a 10% peak-season bump on heavy single-family summer use and a new higher bulk rate for the Lab. The utility is trying to rebuild cash reserves that have fallen below policy targets.
Board of Public Utilities — April 15, 2026
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on Ordinance No. 02-380, which would change water rates in several code sections and add new ones. This directly affects what residents and businesses pay on their water bills.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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