Denver Water customers will see a rate hike beginning this month. The increase will help pay for upgrades, projects, and ongoing maintenance and repair work.

The rate changes, adopted by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners in October, took effect on Jan. 1.

Single-family residential customers who use 104,000 gallons of water annually will see a rate increase of $2.45 to $3.30 per month, depending on whether they live in Denver or in one of the agency’s suburban distributor districts, Denver Water officials said. 

Monthly bills for such customers include a fixed charge and a volume rate for the amount of water used.

“The work we do provides the critical water supply that the community we serve needs to thrive and grow. Continuing to maintain and invest in the system that supports our water supply will ensure that we — Denver Water as well as our customers — are ready for what lies ahead, from a warming climate to the potential for new regulations, while keeping rates as low as good service will allow,” said Denver Water CEO/Manager Alan Salazar in a statement.

Over the next decade, Denver Water expects to invest $1.7 billion in large projects to support regular inspection and maintenance programs, replace aging water mains, continue its lead reduction program, expand the Northwater treatment plant north of Golden, and complete the Gross Reservoir Expansion project.