Published on November 20, 2025
EL PASO – El Paso Water presented its proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater budgets to the Public Service Board on Thursday evening, with a continued focus on affordability and reliability. If approved, stormwater fees would not increase and the typical residential bill would increase by $9.99 per month, a 12% increase over last year’s bill.
“We understand that every dollar matters to our customers, and we’re working hard to keep water affordable while continuing to invest in the systems that keep El Paso running,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew. “This budget strikes the right balance – maintaining reliability, protecting water quality and securing our future water supplies. These investments ensure that El Paso Water can continue providing safe, dependable service for generations to come.”
Affordability options
The utility is offering multiple options to help customers manage costs:
· New affordability initiative: 19% stormwater fee reduction for residential properties under 900 square feet.
· $17.49 discount, equaling a 19% savings off the typical bill for customers using 4 CCFs (2,992 gallons) through a waiver of the Water Supply Replacement Charge.
· $13.99 discount in addition to the WSRC savings, equaling 61% off the typical bill for very low water users of 1 CCF (748 gallons).
· Multiple residential and business rebate programs are available at epwater.org.
Investing in reliability and our water future
EPWater’s proposed $830 million budget for capital infrastructure improvements (water, wastewater and stormwater) includes major investments in system reliability, rehabilitation and water supply to support a growing community:
· Reliability - $431 million: Rehabilitation and expansion of the Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, along with water and wastewater pipe replacements.
· Water supply - $118 million: Pure Water Center construction, Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant expansion, well drilling and equipping.
· Flood control - $60 million: Drainage improvements, including the Palisades Project, Hondo Pass and Will Ruth Pond.
· Growth - $166 million: Water and wastewater extensions for developing areas, such as in Northwest El Paso, new services to developments north of Montana near Fort Bliss and Montana Vista.
Public participation
The PSB will vote on the FY2026-27 budget rates and fees Jan. 14. If approved, they will take effect March 1.
The public is invited to attend and comment at the Dec. 10 or Jan. 14 PSB meetings. Also, EPWater will host an Open House on Dec. 2 from 5-7 p.m. at the TecH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave., for the public to learn more about the proposed budget and utility plans for FY26-27. Written comments will be accepted and shared with the PSB Communications Committee. For presentations, videos and other details, visit epwater.org/proposedbudget