The water rate changes that took effect on January 1, 2026, will allow us to maintain reliable water service and fund major infrastructure investments that the community depends on every day.

These updates were planned years in advance and support large projects such as the water treatment plant upgrade and the construction of a new 2 million gallon water storage tank. These projects are essential for water quality, system reliability, and fire protection.

Like many utilities and households, the District is also facing higher costs for construction, materials, energy, and ongoing operations. Long-term financial planning helps manage these rising costs while avoiding sudden or unexpected increases.

Together, these factors ensure the water system remains safe, reliable, and resilient now and into the future.

There are three main charges on your bill: Capital Improvement Fee, Monthly Base Rate, and Water Usage charges. Here is a breakdown of how each charge is affected:

• Capital Improvement Fee: The Capital Improvement Fee is increasing by $10 per month as was first discussed with residents during the 2022 Water Forum.
• Monthly base rate: No change.
• Water usage rates:
  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 rates are not changing.
  • Tier 3 and Tier 4 rates are increasing and only apply to higher levels of water use.

For most customers, the core cost of water service remains stable as about 85 percent of District customers remain within Tier 1 or Tier 2.

The Capital Improvement Fee helps pay for major infrastructure projects that keep the water system working properly. This increase was first discussed with residents during the 2022 Water Forum and supports projects that are already underway or planned.

These projects include:

• A major upgrade to the water treatment facility.
• Construction of a new 2 million gallon water storage tank.

Together, these represent about $30 million in investments focused on system reliability, fire protection, and long-term performance.

No. Monthly base rates are not changing. Base rates cover fixed costs to operate and maintain the system. Keeping these base rates stable helps provide predictability for customers.

Only the highest usage tiers are increasing.

• Tier 1 and Tier 2 are not changing.
• Tier 3 is increasing by $1 per 1,000 gallons.
• Tier 4 is increasing by $10 per 1,000 gallons.

These higher tiers apply to water use well above typical indoor needs and standard outdoor irrigation.

Tier rate increases will not affect most customers. About 85 percent of District customers stay within Tier 1 and Tier 2. These customers will not see any changes in their water usage charges. The higher tier increases mainly affect customers with very high or discretionary outdoor water use.

Higher tier pricing is designed to encourage responsible water use and protect the long-term water supply. This approach keeps essential water affordable while discouraging excessive irrigation and waste. This type of tiered rate structure is considered a best practice across the water industry.

The most effective way to keep your bill lower is to stay within your budgeted water use. Helpful steps include:

• Monitoring outdoor irrigation.
• Fixing leaks promptly.
• Adjusting sprinkler schedules.
• Using WaterSmart to track usage and receive leak alerts.

Small changes can make a big difference, especially during irrigation season.

Revenue from the Capital Improvement Fee and higher usage tiers supports infrastructure investments that directly benefit the residents of The Village at Castle Pines, including improved water treatment, additional storage for emergencies and fire protection, and overall system reliability. These projects are visible investments that help ensure water service works when it matters most.

The Capital Improvement Fee and water rates are tied to the long-term needs of the water system. The current increase was planned in advance and is funding major infrastructure projects that are already underway or scheduled, including the water treatment plant upgrade and the new water storage tank.

Rates are reviewed by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. Any potential adjustments are based on system needs, long-term financial planning, and community priorities at the time. Rates are evaluated regularly to ensure they cover the cost of providing reliable water service while remaining fair and reasonable for customers.

While future increases may be necessary as infrastructure ages or new projects are identified, the District’s goal is to continue planning ahead to avoid sudden or unexpected changes and keep essential water service both affordable and reliable.

Yes. Detailed rate tables are available on our Water Rates page. Residents can also request information from the 2022 Water Forum where these plans were originally presented.

If you have questions about your bill or need assistance understanding your usage, our staff is ready to help. Please call us at (303) 688-8330 to talk with someone during business hours.