Boulder Utility Rates Will Rise in 2027
City officials proposed rate hikes to address a $6.3 million budget shortfall for infrastructure projects.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Utilities
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Boulder residents face a monthly utility bill increase of $9 in 2027 as the city moves to address a $6.3 million budget shortfall. The proposed rate changes include a 5% increase for water, alongside 7% hikes for both wastewater and stormwater services.
Why it matters
The city requires this additional revenue to fund critical infrastructure repairs and flood mitigation projects. These investments target facilities reaching the end of their useful life, such as the Betasso Water Treatment Plant.
The proposed 2027 plan features a 5% increase for water rates and a 7% increase for both wastewater and stormwater services. This follows 2026 rate adjustments that saw water costs rise by 8%, wastewater by 6%, and stormwater by 5%.
The players
Water Resources Advisory Board
This board provides recommendations to city officials regarding water, wastewater, and stormwater management and utility budgets.
The details
City officials are incorporating these rate hikes into the 2027 budget to support necessary maintenance and treatment plant upgrades. The revenue will specifically fund projects including sewer replacement at Goose Creek and flood mitigation work at CU South and Gregory Canyon Creek.
Timeline
The Water Resources Advisory Board recommended the budget on September 21, 2026.
Proposed rate increases are slated to take effect in 2027.
Further rate hikes are already planned for the 2028-2029 period.
Market Landscape
This proposal updates the financial figures established in the 2026 Boulder utility budget ordinance to reflect current infrastructure needs. The city is balancing aging utility systems against the need for fiscal stability amid broader rising operational costs.
Most single-family households will see their utility bills increase by approximately $9 per month starting in 2027. To mitigate this impact, the city plans to implement a new bill assistance program for qualifying water customers.
The takeaway
Maintaining aging infrastructure remains a primary driver for consistent annual utility rate increases in urban areas. Residents should prepare for higher monthly costs as municipalities look toward further hikes through 2029.
Further reading
For more information on the city's infrastructure plans, visit the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boulder Reporting Lab.
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