What happened
Tucson’s water bills are going up again, but more slowly than in recent years. The City of Tucson adopted a notice of intent on March 17, 2026, held a public hearing on May 19, and the new rates and fees took effect July 6, 2026. The plan sets a 3.5% annual revenue increase for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2030. The city says the first proposal was 5.5% a year, which matched the pace of increases since 2023.
When the plan was first proposed, AZPM reported that over the four years the fixed monthly fee for a standard 5/8-inch meter would rise from $19.22 to $24.48, about 27%. The usage rate most city customers pay would go from $4.25 to $4.65 per 100 cubic feet (one “CCF,” which is about 748 gallons), about 9%.
The city also raised the CAP Water Resource Fee that applies to new water connections. For a 5/8-inch residential meter, it went from $200 to $240.
What this means for your pool
For most families, a pool is a modest line on the water bill, not a big one. Here is how the change plays out in practice.
- The first fill. A typical backyard pool holds somewhere around 12,000 to 20,000 gallons, so the first fill is roughly 16 to 27 CCF. That is a one-time cost, and at the new rates it is still a small part of a pool project. If you are building, ask your builder how big your pool will be so you can estimate it.
- Evaporation is the ongoing cost. In Tucson, most of the water a pool uses after the fill goes up into the air. Wind, low humidity and long hot days all speed it up. A cover cuts that loss more than anything else, and it also holds heat in cooler months.
- Watch for leaks. With rates climbing each year, a slow leak costs more over time. If you are topping off far more than usual in mild weather, have it checked.
- Draining costs more, too. Draining and refilling should be rare. Good water chemistry and regular care help you avoid it.
- Higher fixed fees. The fixed part of the bill is growing faster than the usage part. That fee is the same whether or not you have a pool.
Planning a pool?
We design with water use in mind. Pool size and shape, a spot sheltered from wind, shade, and a cover all affect how much water you lose. Tucson’s 2024 pool code also requires a cover on new and remodeled pools before final inspection, which we plan for from the start. Our pool cost guide explains what drives a budget, and our Tucson pool permits guide walks through the city process. Low-water landscaping and turf around the pool can help keep the rest of your yard’s water use down.
Source: City of Tucson (Tucson Water)
Put this story to work
Planning your own project? See our Custom Pool Construction in Tucson, Affordable Custom Pools in Tucson and Pool Landscaping, Turf & Irrigation in Tucson.
Questions pool owners are asking
When did the new Tucson Water rates start?
The Tucson City Council approved the new rates and fees at a public hearing on May 19, 2026, and they took effect July 6, 2026. The plan calls for a 3.5% revenue increase each year from fiscal year 2027 through 2030.
How much will my monthly water bill go up?
It depends on your meter size and how much water you use. Reporting from AZPM on the proposal said the fixed monthly fee for a standard 5/8-inch meter would rise from $19.22 to $24.48, and the common usage rate from $4.25 to $4.65 per 100 cubic feet, phased in over four years. Check your bill or Tucson Water's rate schedule for your exact numbers.
Does a pool use a lot of water in Tucson?
The biggest one-time use is the first fill. After that, most of the water goes to evaporation, which is highest in the hot, dry, windy months. A cover is the simplest way to cut that loss.
This is our summary and commentary. Read the original story at City of Tucson (Tucson Water).