Utilities and Solid Waste

Water Utility Rates

The fiscal year 2022 budget includes increases to water, wastewater and surface water rates beginning January 1, 2022.  This increase is the second of a three-year planned increase of $10 per month for the average residential utility customer.  The utility system is self-supporting- meaning that no property taxes go toward operating the system.  The utility system is supported through charges for services paid by users of the system. Adjustments to the utility rates are necessary to provide funding for operational needs, debt payments and investment in system infrastructure for future needs.

Investments to meet the 60% groundwater reduction mandate and secure long term water supplies for the City were identified through the Integrated Water Resource Plan- completed with assistance from a task force made up of citizens.  The final plan was adopted by City Council in 2019 after two years of work by the task force.  The plan evaluated a portfolio of options made recommendations to meet the City's long term water needs, including groundwater reduction mandates.

A residential customer that uses 10,000 gallons of water with a 6,000 gallon winter average will see an increase to the monthly bill of approximately $10 for services billed after January 1, 2022.  

Please note: based on historical consumption, our average residential customer uses less than 10,000 gallons and the citywide winter average is 5,880 gallons.

Low Cost - High Quality Water

In the 2021 utility rate survey conducted by the Texas Municipal League, Sugar Land's utility bills ranked lower than the average for cities over 50,000 in population. 

The City of Sugar Land takes pride in the financial resiliency of the utility system and through a strategic implementation plan will manage the mandated 60% groundwater reduction through use of over-conversion credits to delay capital investment as much as possible.

Solid Waste Rates

Effective January 1, 2022, residential solid waste rates will increase 1.25% to $20.00 per month.

2021 Water WW Survey