FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025

Media Contact:
Amber Smith
Communications Manager
The Watershed Association
amber@watershedassociation.org
www.watershedassociation.org 

Watershed Association Intervenes to Challenge Aqua Texas Rate Hike Case

The Watershed Association has formally intervened in Aqua Texas’ latest rate case at the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Hays County and the City of Woodcreek are seeking to join to provide additional oversight and accountability to the steep proposed increases that would affect more than 170,000 Texans—including many in the Wimberley Valley.

Aqua Texas, a private, for-profit water company based in Pennsylvania, is once again seeking aggressive rate hikes under PUC Docket No. 58124, including:

• A 23.4% increase in water revenue as compared to the 2023 reported revenue

• A 51.8% increase in sewer revenue as compared to the 2023 reported revenue

• Statewide rate consolidation that would eliminate local rate distinctions, making it easier for Aqua to acquire more utilities with less oversight

• Recovery of $4.5 million in legal fees, including costs related to their previously failed rate case

This new proposal follows the Watershed Association’s successful challenge of Aqua’s $87 million System Improvement Charge (SIC) case, in which Aqua was ordered to refund $4.7 million to ratepayers. Despite that ruling, Aqua has returned with a new approach that once again places the financial burden on Texas communities.

“These changes would directly impact residents in the Hill Country by removing local transparency while raising costs for essential services,” said Watershed Association Executive Director David Baker. “We are stepping in again, this time alongside our local government partners, to ensure that Aqua is held accountable and that ratepayers have a voice in this process.“

More than 3,500 protests and interventions have already been filed by concerned ratepayers across the state, reflecting widespread opposition to Aqua’s proposal.

Aqua originally set its proposed rate changes to take effect on July 25, 2025. However, following a motion from PUC Staff, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has delayed the effective date to September 22, 2025. The ALJ is also considering whether to refer the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a formal contested hearing.

The Watershed Association is committed to pushing back against unjustified rate increases and loss of local oversight. Together, we’re working to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for Aqua Texas customers across the region.