Posted November 3, 2026

To maintain and protect the state’s largest water system, Denver’s Board of Water Commissioners voted unanimously on Oct. 28 to approve 2027 water rates, drought rates and the monthly fixed service charge. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027. 

For single-family residential customers, the board’s decision: 

• Lowers the cost of essential indoor water use in 2027 to ensure water used for drinking, cooking and hygiene remains affordable. Indoor water use is shown as the customer’s Tier 1 water use on their monthly bill. 
• Raises the cost of outdoor water use to encourage conservation. In 2027, the cost of Tier 2 water use will be 2.5 times higher than Tier 1. Tier 3 will be 3.5 times higher than Tier 1. 
• Sets 2027 drought rates on outdoor water use under two-day-per-week watering restrictions and also for one day per week if stricter restrictions are needed. Setting drought rates now gives Denver Water’s board flexibility to swiftly react to 2027 water supply conditions. 
• Raises the fixed monthly charge by $4.81, to $25.72 per month for customers who have a 3/4-inch meter, the most common size for residential customers. This increase will reduce the variability of customers’ water bills throughout the year and ensure a more stable revenue stream for Denver Water.

 

Treated Water Volume Rates, $ per 1,000 gallons

Single-Family Residential Customers

Drought rates are added on top of the customer’s regular Tier 2 and Tier 3 water use. For 2027, the board approved drought rates reflecting water restrictions of two days per week effective Jan. 1, 2027, and one day per week if needed.