District 10 councilman votes against SAWS rate plan, citing affordability

San Antonio City Council approved a four-year rate plan for the San Antonio Water System on Oct. 8, but District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte voted against the proposal, as he did SAWS’ original plan in June.

Under the plan presented by SAWS, water rates will increase by at least 23.7% between 2027 and 2030. The average residential water bill is expected to rise by at least $13.45 per month over the four-year period, with the potential increase reaching $16.93 by 2030.

Whyte said he supports investment in water infrastructure but does not believe rate increases should move forward before the utility demonstrates that it is spending resources responsibly.

“San Antonio families are already feeling the pressure of rising costs, and now they are being asked to pay more for another essential service,” Whyte said. “I understand the need to invest in our water infrastructure, but cannot support continuing to put the burden on ratepayers without first making sure we are spending every dollar responsibly. We have to make affordability a priority and ask how we can do more with the resources we already have.”

The councilman said SAWS reduced its original five-year capital plan by approximately $600 million, from $3.2 billion to $2.6 billion, following the City Council’s June decision to delay the initial proposal. He said the utility kept its most urgent infrastructure projects on schedule while making changes to the plan.

Whyte also said he appreciated SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente and the SAWS team for responding to Council’s concerns and improving discipline and accountability in the plan. However, he said he still could not support raising rates for San Antonio residents.

Whyte plans to continue working with SAWS on responsible spending and efforts to increase affordability for residents.