Castle Rock Water customers would see a higher bill starting in 2027 under a rate increase Town Council takes up on first reading Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. Ordinance 2026-037 proposes increases across the water, water-resources, stormwater and wastewater funds. For a typical residential customer on a 3/4-inch meter, the Town's own rate table shows the annual bill rising from $1,571 to $1,647 — $76 more, a 4.84% increase.
What Changes
According to the staff report attached to the ordinance, the proposed increases by fund are:
- Water fund: 5% increase to the fixed monthly charge and to volumetric rates
- Water resources fund: 8% increase to the fixed monthly charge
- Stormwater fund: 5% increase to the fixed monthly charge
- Wastewater fund: 1% increase to the fixed monthly charge and the volumetric rate
The staff report's rate table lists the residential 3/4-inch meter's typical annual bill moving from $1,571 to $1,647, a change of $76, or 4.84%. If approved on both readings, the new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
What's Driving It
The staff report ties the increase to near-term capital spending: "Additional requirements for desalination related to Water Infrastructure Supply Efficiency (WISE) as well as increases in Plum Creek Water Purification Facility (PCWPF) expansion were incorporated into the capital plan and account for a large increase in near term spending." Both projects also appear in the Town's proposed 2027 budget, which Council considers the same night — the five-year financial plan sets aside $75.6 million for water resources and long-term water projects, including the WISE desalination work and the Plum Creek plant expansion. Castle Rock Water is funded entirely through customer rates and fees rather than Town tax dollars, so those capital costs are paid for directly through the rates on this bill.
Where It Stands
Town Council holds first reading Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at 6pm in Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Wilcox St. (streaming at CRgov.com/WatchCouncil and on Comcast Channel 22). A second and final reading is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2026, per the staff report — the rates aren't in effect until that second vote passes.
The rate increase comes the same month Castle Rock Water is asking customers for input on the long-range plan that drives these costs, with an open house Oct. 8 and a survey open through Oct. 11. Customers looking to offset a higher bill can also check the Town's water conservation rebates for landscaping, irrigation and toilet upgrades.
Council takes up its proposed 2027 budget on the same Oct. 6 agenda, gives the kratom retail sales ban its second and final vote that night as well, and holds first reading on a fireworks sales ban during Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Sources: Town of Castle Rock, Legistar record for ORD 2026-037 (agenda item 21, first reading Oct. 6, 2026); Staff report for Ordinance 2026-037 (rate increase percentages, residential rate table, implementation date, second-reading date); Town Council Oct. 6, 2026 final agenda; Proposed 2027 Budget Message (five-year water capital figures). All checked Oct. 5, 2026.