Eagle River Water & Sanitation District announces 2026 rate adjustments – Real Vail

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District Announces 2026 Rate Adjustments Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of 2026 Rate Changes

The Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (the District) has approved its 2026 water and wastewater rate adjustments, emphasizing sustainable water management in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

1. Base Rate Increase: A 7% combined increase in water and wastewater base rates for typical residential customers.
2. Capital Improvement Funding: Over 50% of the rate increase is allocated to capital improvement projects aimed at maintaining the safety and reliability of Colorado’s sixth-largest water infrastructure system, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Tiered Water Use Rate Updates Promoting Responsible Consumption

The District has updated its tiered water use rates to encourage efficient water use and reduce waste, directly supporting SDG 6 and SDG 12:

• Lower Tiers (Efficient Users): Modest rate increases; for example, residential customers in tier one will experience an increase of approximately 0.025 cents per gallon.
• Higher Tiers (Excessive Users): Significant rate increases of 10% for tier four and 20% for tier five customers, with overall increases ranging from 10% to 71% for the highest water consumers.

These adjustments reinforce the District’s commitment to sustainable water use and community resource conservation.

Statements from District Leadership

Siri Roman, GM/CEO: “We were very intentional with our 2026 rate package. Customers who use water responsibly will see minimal increases. However, there will be significant cost impacts for customers who use water excessively.”

David Norris, Director of Business Operations: “Every dollar collected through rates goes directly back into running, maintaining, and improving the system our community depends on.” This investment supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by ensuring resilient infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Community Impact

The District operates the sixth-largest water infrastructure system in Colorado, serving a relatively small year-round population within a challenging mountain environment. Continuous investment in infrastructure upgrades and operations is essential to uphold water quality and availability, aligning with SDG 6 and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Customer Engagement and Support Programs

• Personalized Communication: In November, customers received mailers detailing the upcoming rate changes effective December 1, 2025.
• Customer Service: Questions regarding the 2026 rates can be directed to Customer Service at 970.477.5451.
• Water Use Reduction Program: Customers in tier five are eligible for a free home water use assessment to promote efficient water consumption and support SDG 12. Interested customers may contact the District via email.

Additional Resources

The full 2026 rate schedule is available online at erwsd.org/erwsd-rates.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water and wastewater rate adjustments, infrastructure maintenance, and water use efficiency, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The District’s efforts to maintain and improve a large water infrastructure system in a mountain community contribute to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The tiered water use rates and programs to reduce excessive water consumption promote sustainable consumption patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1 – Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.3 – Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous materials.
   • 6.a – Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to water- and sanitation-related activities and programs.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.6 – Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • 11.b – Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.2 – Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • 12.5 – Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water and Wastewater Rate Adjustments
   • Rate increases differentiated by water use tiers imply measurement of water consumption per customer, which can be used as an indicator of water use efficiency and conservation.
2. Capital Improvement Projects
   • Investment in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades can be tracked through indicators such as percentage of water infrastructure maintained or improved annually.
3. Water Use Assessments and Reduction Programs
   • Number of customers participating in home water use assessments and subsequent reduction in water consumption serve as indicators for responsible water use.
4. Water Consumption Tiers
   • Water consumption volumes categorized into tiers (e.g., tier one to tier five) provide a basis for monitoring consumption patterns and effectiveness of pricing strategies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: realvail.com