As a public agency, DWA cannot profit from its operations. Rates are determined by the cost of providing service.
On June 18, 2024, the DWA Board of Directors approved a rate increase – the second in a previously adopted five-year rate plan – for water, recycled water and wastewater.
Updated rates for recycled water will go into effect on July 1, 2024, and will appear on August bills. New rates for potable water and wastewater customers will go into effect on January 1, 2025, and appear on February 2025 water bills. The new rates are timed to start when water usage is typically the lowest, helping minimize the initial impact.
The rate increase is based on an independent study that showed rates were not adequately covering the cost of service. The updated rates will help the Agency continue to upgrade its distribution system and ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water.
The five-year rate plan was approved in 2023 following a series of public meetings.
In addition to DWA’s charge for wastewater services, the Agency passes through sewage treatment charges imposed by Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and the City of Palm Springs. Customers affected by these charges live in Cathedral City. These treatment fees are collected by DWA on customers’ monthly bills and are remitted in full to CVWD and the City of Palm Springs.
Effective July 1, 2024, customers whose sewage is collected by DWA and sent to CVWD for treatment will see a new rate of $36.79 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU), which includes CVWD’s new rate of $29.48. This increase was adopted by CVWD on June 11, 2024.
For more information on DWA’s new rates or to see the updated rates, go to www.dwa.org/rates.