Buckeye launches water-rate review; citizen committee to hold three public meetings in November

The City of Buckeye has launched a detailed review of its water and wastewater rates and formed the 2025 Citizen Water and Wastewater Rates Committee to work with staff and recommend a final rate structure to the city council.

The city says its water system serves nearly 33,000 customers and operates around the clock; water resources is funded entirely by monthly rates rather than tax dollars. City materials noted rates have not been raised since 2013 and that costs for treatment chemicals, materials, electricity and equipment — and the need to reinvest in aging infrastructure — have increased over the past 12 years.

The newly formed 2025 Citizen Water and Wastewater Rates Committee, made up of residents working alongside city staff, will help develop proposals the staff will bring to council. The committee and water resources staff will present their findings at three public meetings in November where residents may learn more, ask questions and provide feedback on rate proposals.

The city directed residents to buckeyeaz.gov/waterrates for meeting dates, agendas and to submit comments. The announcement described the work as part of efforts to maintain service reliability and to fund ongoing projects and maintenance through monthly customer rates.