City of Katy raises water rate $0.08 for 2020

City of Katy residents and businesses will pay more for their water use in 2020.

Katy City Council approved in a 4-0 vote, with Jenifer Stockdick absent, to increase the city's water rate $0.08 per 1,000 gallons of water effective Jan. 1 at the Dec. 9 regular meeting.

In 2019, single-family residential, multifamily residential and commercial businesses pay between $1.55 per 1,000 gallons and $1.89 per 1,000 gallons depending on the meter size and other factors, according to the city of Katy’s website.

The rate increase is the result of a water supplier increasing its rates. The West Harris County Regional Water Authority increased its water rates by $0.25, also effective Jan. 1, to help pay for infrastructure that will lessen its dependence on groundwater.

Because the city of Katy has two water suppliers—WHCRWA and Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District—the city averages the water rates to determine users' rates, according to meeting documents.

“City staff calculates that only 32% of the 25-cent rate increase, or [$0.08], is required to pass on to the city of Katy residents,” per the meeting documents.