San Antonio's next water-rate fight is shaping up to involve far more than household utility bills.
District 9 Councilmember Misty Spears argued that residents should not be asked to pay significantly more without first seeing the San Antonio Water System's promised audit.
What happened?
Before the City Council takes up SAWS' latest rate plan, Spears wants the utility to publicly release its financial and performance audit. She made the request after the utility's board moved an increase proposal to the Council, according to the San Antonio Current.
Under the plan, rates would rise gradually starting in 2027 and total 30% over four years. SAWS says that would mean about $200 more each year for a typical residential customer.
Questions about transparency helped derail a nearly identical request in June, when the City Council rejected it by a narrow margin. Several members said SAWS needed to offer a full accounting of its operations and spending before asking again.
Utility leaders say the extra revenue is needed for overdue capital work. They also argue that June's failed vote forced SAWS to strip $600 million in necessary projects from its plans.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Why does it matter?
At issue is whether residents should face higher water bills before SAWS provides full transparency. The pressure comes as families are dealing with other potential cost increases, including a 3.5% rise in property taxes.
The dispute also points to the state of the water system. SAWS says it is pursuing capital improvements after three decades of deferred maintenance, and in an annual audit filed with the state, the utility reported losing 20 billion gallons of water in a year.
What's being done?
Spears said SAWS should honor what councilmembers viewed as a commitment: Make the audit public before another rate request comes up for approval.
Releasing it would let both elected officials and the public examine how ratepayer money is being used.
The proposal must still go before the City Council, meaning the debate is far from settled. Councilmembers will be able to scrutinize the utility's spending, its repair plans, and whether the scale and timing of the increase are justified.
"San Antonio families deserve transparency before being asked to pay more," Spears said in a statement. "... The burden is on SAWS to justify any request for higher rates."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
