Advocacy Corner: November Policy & Community Updates
Denver Water Approves 2027 Rate Increase Amid Ongoing Drought Conditions
Denver Water has approved a 2027 rate increase as Colorado continues to face significant drought conditions and long-term water supply concerns.
Beginning January 1, 2027, single-family residential customers can expect an average monthly bill increase of $3.25 to $4.53, depending on location, water usage and season. The new rate structure differentiates between indoor and outdoor water use, keeping essential indoor water consumption, such as drinking, cooking and hygiene, more affordable while increasing costs for higher usage.
Under the new structure, Tier 2 water use will cost 2.5 times more than Tier 1, while Tier 3 will cost 3.5 times more. These changes are intended to encourage conservation, particularly for outdoor watering. The fixed monthly service charge will also increase by $4.81, bringing the charge to $25.72 for customers with a standard 3/4-inch meter.
The increase comes as Denver Water anticipates its reservoirs will be approximately 60% full by spring 2027, well below its 85% target. Outdoor watering restrictions have also been in place, with Denver Water issuing more than 450 violations totaling approximately $265,000 since October 1. Additional drought surcharges may apply depending on the level of watering restrictions in effect, further increasing costs for households with higher water consumption.
For homeowners throughout the Denver metro area, the new rate structure underscores the growing importance of water conservation and the costs associated with maintaining reliable water service. As Colorado continues to experience drought conditions and population growth, water availability and infrastructure will remain important considerations for homeowners and future residential development.
Learn more about the new rates and conservation measures at Denver Water.
Denver Plans Overhaul of Residential Health Regulations
The City of Denver is planning its first major overhaul of residential health regulations in a decade, with proposed changes aimed at improving housing conditions and strengthening landlord accountability.
The proposed updates include requiring landlords to provide more information about property violations, establishing indoor temperature requirements, improving communication during city inspections and requiring outstanding violations and fines to be resolved before residential rental license renewals.
Denver has also launched a public dashboard that allows residents to search residential health complaints, violations and citations by property address, with records dating back to 2022. The tool gives prospective renters an additional resource for reviewing a property's history before signing a lease.
The proposed changes would involve updates to city procedures and residential health rules, as well as potential amendments to the city code requiring City Council approval.
For property owners, landlords and real estate professionals, these changes could bring additional responsibilities related to property maintenance, tenant communication and regulatory compliance. Denver officials expect the overhaul process to continue through 2027.
Read more about the proposed changes in The Denver Post.
