2023 Water Rate Fees - July 1, 2023 rate increase

Water for our future

Providing more sustainable and equitable outcomes for the Lafayette community

In 2022 our region was looking at record breaking heat and drought conditions. Spring of 2023 has produced more water than we have the capacity to store in reservoirs for use in future dry years. 

Maintaining reliable water services for Lafayette residents is a top priority, but unpredictable supply and demand due to climate change requires investments in storage, maintenance, and other capital projects. 

We understand that any rate increase impacts users. The City is committed to protecting affordability of residents’ indoor water use and ensuring that growth pays its own way

2023 water rate increase - 9% effective July 1

A Utility Rate and Fee Study was initiated in late 2022 to help provide a better understanding of ongoing funding needs to ensure water rates and fees are sufficient to cover costs now and for the future.

A typical single-family household uses about 3,000 gallons of water in winter months. In the summer, usage for typical households jumps to 10,000 gallons a month when irrigating lawns.

rate increase winter summer comparison

Customers typically see an increased bill after irrigation systems are turned on in May or June.  With this year’s wet spring, people may see the typical seasonal increase and the rate/fee adjustment on the same July bill

Investments to secure future water

The City of Lafayette is a partner in several large regional water projects that will help increase resiliency and diversify the water supply available for treatment and distribution to its community members.

View a list of local and regional projects the City is investing in.

list of water project investments

Blue circle with a white envelope iconYour monthly water bill

Monthly bills include a fixed service charge that remains the same each month, plus a tiered charge that is calculated based on the amount of water used. As more water is used, customers may move into a more expensive tier based on that usage. Typical customers see higher bill amounts during summer irrigation months.Lime green button - Residential water rates Opens in new window

Lime green circle with a white arrow pointing down What can I do?


    • Visit lafayetteco.gov/WaterConservation to take advantage of the turf replacement program, Garden in a Box, irrigation audits, and other programs offered by the City.
    • Go dormant and save! Turning off automated irrigation systems by early September will save money on your water bills, help the City and region conserve millions of gallons of water, and won’t compromise the longevity of lawns. 
    • Follow the outdoor water conservation tips on the City website: lafayetteco.gov/WaterConservation.
    • Talk to your HOA/landlord about what you can do to be more water efficient in outdoor common areas.

Tips to save money and water

Lawns are often our largest water consumer. The good thing is that you can still have a nice lawn while cutting down on your water consumption by following these tips:

  1. Leave your lawn dormant by waiting to turn sprinklers until June. This saves water and you will still have a healthy lawn.
  2. Water your lawn twice a week to make grassroots grow deeper. This allows lawns to last longer.
  3. Avoid watering between 10am and 6pm per the City's water conservation ordinance. This reduces evaporation when watering.
  4. Raise your lawnmower blades. Taller grass shades the roots and helps retain soil moisture.
  5. Water lawns plants and trees only. Avoiding watering sidewalks and roads conserves water.
  6. Check for broken or poorly positioned sprinkler heads. This avoids wasteful runoff.

It only takes one dry spring or one hot summer to put our region at risk for water shortages. Balance your water use and check out discounts on ways to conserve water.