Salt Lake City

Public Utilities

Customer Service: (801) 483-6900 | Report Emergency: (801) 483-6700

Why Rates are Increasing

Essential Services for Our Community

We work hard to provide the water, sewer, stormwater, and street lighting services that this community relies on every day.  


To keep these essential services strong and reliable, we are proposing updated utility rates. 

Why are rates increasing?

  • Our systems are getting older. 
    The City’s water and sewer plants were built by previous generations decades ago. They’re outdated and need upgrades or to be completely replaced to keep serving our generation and generations to come.
  • We’re meeting higher environmental standards. 
    New federal and state regulations require improvements to our treatment plants and pipelines to protect public health and the environment. 

We’re making strategic decision to ensure our rates stay affordable.


What will the new rates help pay for?

  • Repair and replacement of aging water pipes, sewer lines, and storm drains. 

Take a deep dive (pun intended) on water rates! 

Our partners at the Alliance for Water Efficiency have created two short videos to explain how water rates work and why they sometimes need to increase—even as we conserve more: 

  • Water: What You Pay For” 
    See how your water bill helps fund the infrastructure and operations needed to deliver reliable drinking water. 

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