Hailey
Columbia’s water bills might be changing soon, especially for people who use more water during the summer. A new water rate proposal was discussed by the Columbia City Council on Monday night.
If approved, this change could mean higher water bills for homes that use a lot more water in summer compared to winter. But for homes that use a similar amount of water all year round, their water costs may go down.
Let’s break down what this proposal means, who it affects, and when the City Council will vote on it.
What Is the Current Water Rate System?
Right now, Columbia uses a tiered water rate system, which means people pay different rates based on how much water they use.
However, this system doesn’t fully consider seasonal changes in usage, like the big jump in water use during hot summer months for lawns, swimming pools, and gardens.
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
Under the proposed changes, only people who use significantly more water in the summer than in the winter would see their rates increase. If you’re someone who keeps water use steady throughout the year—even if it’s high—you could see your bill stay the same or even go down.
“If you use the same amount of water year-round, even if you have a big family or older appliances, it doesn’t cost the city much more,” said David Switzer, from the Columbia Water and Light Advisory Board.
Why the Change Might Be More Fair
Switzer believes this change would make the system more fair and balanced. Instead of charging everyone the same way, people who put more strain on the water system—especially during peak times like summer—would pay more.
“Using water for things like lawn irrigation or filling swimming pools in summer makes it expensive for the system,” Switzer said.
This idea is based on fairness. People who use extra water during times when the system is under stress would help pay for that extra cost. the system is under stress would help pay for that extra cost.
What Do Columbia Residents Think?
So far, no one has spoken out against the proposal. But some people have concerns about other unfinished city water projects. These include major infrastructure improvements like a new water treatment plant that hasn’t been finished yet.
Bill Moyes, a Columbia resident, said the city needs to focus on finishing these projects before asking citizens to pay more.
“You want to raise rates, but you haven’t finished the work we already approved,” Moyes told council members. “People are losing trust.”
When Will a Decision Be Made?
The City Council will vote on the new water rate changes during their next meeting on August 18, 2025. If approved, this will affect how residents are charged for water based on seasonal usage patterns.
What About Water Infrastructure in Columbia?
Some citizens say Columbia needs to better manage its water infrastructure projects before changing rates. These concerns focus on accountability—making sure the city delivers on projects it promises, like the unfinished treatment plant.
How It Affects You: A Simple Example
| Scenario | Water Use | Impact on Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 5 using same amount year-round | 15,000 gallons/month | May see bill decrease |
| Single person using little water all year | 4,000 gallons/month | Bill stays about the same |
| Household with heavy summer use (lawn, pool) | 8,000 gallons in winter, 20,000 in summer | Bill likely increases |
So if you’re watering a big lawn or filling a pool all summer, expect to pay more under this plan. But if you’re consistent, you might save!
Why Seasonal Water Rates Matter
This change could help Columbia:
- Reduce wasteful water use
- Make bills more fair
- Keep the water system running smoothly in summer
- Encourage smarter water-saving behavior
Columbia’s possible water rate change is about more than just bills—it’s about fairness and managing the city’s resources better. While many residents might welcome lower bills for consistent use, others worry about unfinished projects and trust in city leadership.
The upcoming August 18 vote will be key in deciding whether Columbia moves forward with this more targeted way of charging for water.
It’s important for all residents to understand how this could affect them, speak up if they have concerns, and keep an eye on how the city handles its water infrastructure going forward.