History of Water Budget Public Process

History of Water Budgets in Boulder

Adoption of a new structure 

After the drought in 2002, City Council asked the Utilities staff to investigate and consider switching to an alternative billing method in order to encourage water conservation as well as decrease the amount of impact of a drought for customers.

Following this request, city staff investigated alternative billing options and presented findings to the Water Resources Advisory Board (WRAB). In an effort to keep the public involved, postcards were sent to all city water customers, an informational Web site was set up and a survery was conducted for city water customers regarding various billing methods and rate structures.

On Feb. 24, 2004, City Council held a study session on alternatives to the current water billing rate structure and City Council gave staff some direction on what they would like the new rate structure to feature. Following the study session, staff and WRAB refined options to present to City Council. On Nov. 20, 2004, the staff presented four rate structure options to Council. City Council chose their preferred option and adopted the new water budget rate structure on Dec. 21, 2004.

Rate considerations for new structure 

Public meetings were held in 2006 to discuss bill design options and the base rate that will be applied to the new structure in 2007.

Six focus groups were facilitated in April that included local landscapers, property owners, businesses and residents, in order to get feedback on the bill design.

Three public meetings were held to inform the public about the new water budget rate structure and rate options in September. 

Implementing the new structure

In November 2006, all water customers received a letter with their estimated water budget (by month) for 2007 as well as their usage for the past 12 months.

The new water budget rate structure went into effect with the first bill in January 2007.

Following this time, water customers were able to review and make comments on the Water Budget Rules and methodology.

Recent Events

• 2007 water revenue and use totals 
• City Council Study Session memo - Feb. 12, 2008 
• Study Session Summary Memo - April 1, 2008
• Memo to City Council: Next Steps for Water Budgets - March 27, 2008

For more information, contact the city's Utility Billing Office or  submit your question online and receive an e-mail reponse.

Utility Billing Office
City of Boulder
P.O. Box 791
Boulder, CO. 80306
303-441-3260

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 08:40