PHOENIX — Phoenix council members questioned household costs and conservation barriers Tuesday as they reviewed a planned drought surcharge for higher water use.
Phoenix could enter Stage 2 as early as January 2027, triggering the additional charges.
As Tysonomo reported Nov. 10, the planned drought surcharge would add $2.10 per billing unit above applicable thresholds after a Stage 2 declaration.
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Councilmember Betty Guardado supported the plan but urged assistance for residents already struggling with bills.
“I am completely supportive of this plan,” Guardado said.
She requested English- and Spanish-language outreach, affordable leak repairs and help reaching households unfamiliar with city programs.
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the difference between typical residential consumption and the surcharge threshold.
She described “a significant cushion” before additional charges apply. Staff reported median residential consumption of 11 billing units, below the 20-unit threshold.
Councilmember Ann O’Brien questioned whether shared-meter apartments and condominiums would receive equitable treatment under commercial billing.
Staff said those accounts would face surcharges above 300 billing units, regardless of the number of households sharing service.
O’Brien said residents should avoid consequences they would escape “if they lived in a single residential home or paid it themselves.”
Councilmember Anna Hernandez urged greater responsibility for larger users, saying “the folks that are using the most water” should contribute more.
Councilmember Jim Waring questioned charging city facilities surcharges because taxpayers ultimately fund those payments.
“It’s citizens in their taxes,” Waring said.
Councilmembers Debra Stark and Laura Pastor urged reducing costs and permitting barriers for conservation improvements.
“We have to remove the barriers,” Pastor said.
Mayor Kate Gallego supported drought preparations and suggested exploring individual meters for multifamily housing.
“Phoenix has a plan, and everyone has a role to play,” Gallego said.
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