City invests $305M in water and wastewater system upgrades with bill increases

In a recent meeting, the Santa Fe City Council discussed significant investments in the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure, highlighting the need for upgrades to ensure safety and operational flexibility. The proposed projects will involve an estimated $125 million investment in the water system and over $180 million in the wastewater system.

As these improvements are rolled out, residents can expect a gradual increase in their utility bills. Specifically, the average monthly bill is projected to rise by approximately $3 over the next five years, followed by an additional increase of $1 per month for the subsequent five years. This incremental approach aims to manage the financial impact on residents while funding essential infrastructure enhancements.

The water division's mission emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, reliable, and resilient water supply to meet community needs. Similarly, the wastewater division is committed to ensuring that water is treated to meet all applicable environmental standards after use.

These discussions underscore the city’s proactive approach to maintaining and improving critical infrastructure, which is vital for the health and sustainability of the community. As the council moves forward with these plans, residents will need to prepare for the upcoming changes in their utility costs, which are designed to support long-term benefits for Santa Fe's water management systems.