Starting on January 1, 2025, Sugar Land residents will see changes in their utility bills, including increases in water, solid waste, and stormwater rates. These adjustments are necessary to continue providing high-quality service and to meet the future utility needs of our community.
What’s Changing?
Water Rates
- Rates are based on two components: monthly service charges (based on meter size) and volume charges (per 1,000 gallons of water used).
- Residents using 10,000 gallons of water per month and with a winter average of 6,000 gallons will see an increase of about $3 per month.
- Residents using 5,000 gallons of water per month and with a winter average of 3,000 gallons will see an increase of about $2 per month.
- For more information on your winter average, visit: www.sugarlandtx.gov/WastewaterCap.
- For detailed information on the new rates, including a comparison of current and 2025 rates, visit: www.sugarlandtx.gov/waterrates.
Solid Waste Rates
- In 2023, the City signed a contract with Republic Services that includes a 5% cap on annual rate increases.
- In 2025, the trash collection rate will increase to $21.88, which is $1.04 more than the current rate of $20.84.
- This 5% increase will also apply to other solid waste fees, including commercial waste rates.
Stormwater Rates
- The stormwater rate will also increase in 2025. Specific details will be shared in upcoming communications.
Why Are Rates Going Up?
Utility rates are the primary funding source for the City’s utility system. When the needs of the system outgrow the revenue from existing rates, adjustments are necessary to maintain a financially stable and self-sustaining system. Additionally, inflation has led to increased operational costs for the City. Utility bills are not supported through sales tax or property tax.
The City’s Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP) helps us manage future water needs and plan for long-term infrastructure improvements. It considers a mix of water sources—groundwater, surface water, and reclaimed water—to ensure a balanced, sustainable, and cost-effective water supply.
The plan includes the water supply strategies required to meet the Fort Bend Subsidence District groundwater restrictions to prevent land subsidence.
Beginning in 2014, the City had to meet FBSD regulations requiring 30 percent of its water demand to come from alternative (non-groundwater) sources. In 2027, this water supply requirement will increase to 60 percent alternative sources.
What About the New Meters?
The new utility rate increases are separate from the meter installations associated with the Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Program that began in Spring 2024. These rate adjustments are based on ongoing system costs, not the new meter technology.