TOWN RESIDENTS REGARDING 2026
RATE INCREASES IN WATER AND SEWER BILLS.
The Town Board held public meetings in May and November 2025 to gather community input on proposed water and sewer increases needed to fund two major infrastructure projects. After considering public feedback the Town Board at a Special Board meeting on November 17, 2026 approved the increases to help cover project costs.
Water Distribution Project Update
In June 2024, Del Norte was awarded a USDA Rural Development grant ($11,018,000) and loan ($13,010,000) for a total project cost of $24,628,000. The project will replace the aging water system, including a new trunk line, shut-off valves, and fire hydrants.
In January 2025, we increased water service fees to $5/month, until we were able to get a more detailed cost to make this project happen. We want to let you know if the Town Board decides to increase the water rate, it will be $9.51 a month over the next five years, with projected rates as follows:
The first increase will begin with the January 2026 billing; subsequent increase will take effect each January. The current amount for base/Improvement fee is $40.23 will increase to January 2026: $49.74/month, January 2027: $59.25/month, January 2028: $68.78/month, January 2029: $78.27/month and January 2030: $87.77/month. Outside Town limit users will be charged one and half times the rate.
These increases are necessary to cover the annual water loan payment of $372,000.
Wastewater Project Update
The USDA has issued a Letter of Condition for funding, with less grant monies and more loan than anticipated. Total grant funding of $9,490,097. and loan funding of $ 8,264,307. To comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards which are required, so we are not subject to a penalty.
We started in 2024 with an increase in sewer accounts by $10/month per year for three years. After receiving the funding amounts from USDA, the proposed increase will be $9.03/month over the next four years, with projected rates as follows:
The first increase will begin with the January 2026 billing; subsequent increase will take effect each January. The current base is $58.82 will increase in January 2026: $67.85/month, January 2027: $76.88/month, January 2028: $85.91/month and January 2029: $94.94/month. Outside Town limit users will be charged one and half times the rate.