Tucson City Council approves differential water rates, again

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) — On Tuesday, the Tucson City Council voted 5-1 to charge people living outside the city limits more for water services.

It is the second time in years the city has tried to charge unincorporated residents more, also called differential water rates.

Kevin Dahl was the lone no vote with Lane Santa Cruz, Paul Cunningham, Nikki Lee, Rocque Perez, and Karin Uhlich voting yes.

The move means people living outside of the city will see their Tucson Water bills go up about $6 per month as early as August 2025.

Opponents have said it is unfair to charge about a third of the customers more, while the city fired back and said people living in the city already pay fees that county residents do not.

In 2021, Tucson Water imposed differential water rates, and county water users paid that premium for 1 1/2 years before the courts shut it down.

This time, the city and Tucson Water claim they can prove, based on infrastructure requirements and water usage, that a differential water increase is justified.

Councilman Paul Cunningham told 13 News the city tried to charge a pre-determined rate to the residents, which a judge deemed wrong.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and other city council members approved sending a notice to people living in unincorporated county areas to let them know their water bill will be impacted.

In December 2024, Pima County filed a petition with the Arizona Supreme Court, hoping to get the City of Tucson to give back funds to people living in unincorporated areas who paid more for their water.

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