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LCRA accepting public comments on proposed water rate increase

Lake Marble Falls. File photo

The Lower Colorado River Authority is accepting public comments on a proposed increase to its firm water rates through Sept. 1.

After reviewing comments, the LCRA’s Board of Directors will vote whether to adopt the increase during its regular meeting on Sept. 23. If adopted, the new rate would take effect in January 2027.

Under the proposed changes, firm water rates could rise from $165 per acre-foot to $175 per acre-foot annually. Firm water contracts are typically utilized by large-scale users like cities, industries, and water supply companies.

For reference, the city of Marble Falls contracts 7,000 acre-feet of water per year from the LCRA, which costs $1.155 million. The proposed increase to $175 per acre-foot would bring the bill up to $1.225 million. To cover that increased rate, individual customers could see price increases in their bills.

LCRA cited cost increases associated with maintenance and infrastructure as reasons for the potential increase, as well as being a key funding source for several multimillion-dollar projects.

“(The change is) driven by increased costs associated with maintaining existing, and building new water infrastructure,” reads the LCRA’s webpage on the rate change. “Over the next five years, LCRA plans to spend about $153 million on new water supply projects and about $30 million on dam rehabilitation projects.”

The last time that the LCRA raised rates was back in 2024, when its board of directors approved a similar $10 hike from $155 per acre-foot to $165 per acre-foot.

To submit a public comment or see more information on the proposed rate increase, visit the LCRA’s water-related rules, regulations, and permit applications webpage.

caden@thepicayune.com

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