Des Moines Water Works proposing rate structure changes for 2025

DES MOINES, Iowa — Those who use more water will pay more, that's the proposal that Des Moines Water Works is looking to implement next year for residential customers.

The current rate is called a declining block structure, Water Works wants to shift to an increasing block structure. What does that mean?

"We're moving to an inclining block rate for our residential customers, but only for customers who use a significant amount of water on a residential property. So the average customer in Des Moines uses about 6,000 gallons per month, they'll really see no difference. About 30% of our customers actually use 2,000 gallons or less each month, they'll actually see a little bit of savings," said Ted Corrigan, Des Moines Water Works' CEO & General Manager.

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Those households that use 2,000 gallons of water a month should expect to see a decline in their average water bill by $3.30. Households using 6,000 gallons of water will see an increase of 11 cents. Households using 10,000 gallons a month can expect to see a $6.01 increase. You are able to view the full proposal and what that means for your monthly bill on Des Moines Water Works' website .

Why the change? Because those using 9,000 gallons a month or more are a very small percentage to the amount of water supply the small population is using.

"In terms of the percent of customers, we're talking about 4% or 5% of the customers, we're talking about 20% or 25% of the usage. So there's a small percentage of the customers who use a large percentage of the water during those hot, dry months when irrigation is popular," said Corrigan.

There is a public hearing at Des Moines Water Works on October 29 at 3:30 p.m. where members of the public can voice their opinion on the change. As far as commercial and industrial customers, DMWW will evaluate the rate structure next year and any changes made would be implemented in 2026.