El Paso Water Board Approves $1.2 Billion Budget and Rate Increase for 2026
El Paso Water's board has approved a $1.2 billion budget for 2026, which includes a $10 monthly rate increase for households, raising the average water bill to approximately $92. The budget, reflecting a $204 million increase from the previous year, focuses on infrastructure investments in water, sewer, and stormwater systems, with significant allocations for wastewater treatment and water supply improvements. Concerns about recent water main breaks and the future water usage of a new Meta Platforms data center were discussed, but the rate increase is not linked to the data center's anticipated demand.
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El Paso Water's board approved a $1.2 billion budget for 2026, which includes a $10 monthly increase for households starting in March. This budget marks a $204 million increase from the previous year and funds infrastructure investments in water, sewer, and stormwater systems.
The average water bill will rise to approximately $92, reflecting a 12% increase. Concerns were raised about a recent water main break affecting 100,000 customers and the impact of a new Meta Platforms data center, which will use around 400,000 gallons of water daily.
However, the rate increase is not attributed to the data center's future water usage. The budget allocates $770 million for capital improvements, including $431 million for wastewater treatment and $118 million for increasing water supply. The stormwater budget decreased to $95 million, with no increase in stormwater fees for 2026.
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