CLCWA Water and Sewer Rates Rise 6% as Property-Tax Hearing Approaches
Clear Lake City Water Authority customers began paying higher water and sewer rates October 1, while a separate decision involving the authority's 2026 property-tax rate comes before the board Thursday.
CLEAR LAKE — Clear Lake City Water Authority customers have two separate financial matters to keep an eye on this month: a water and sewer rate increase that has already taken effect and a property-tax rate that is scheduled for a public hearing Thursday.
The distinction matters because the two charges are separate.
Water and sewer rates are based on utility service and usage. Property taxes are calculated using taxable property value and the tax rate adopted by the water authority's board.
Water/sewer increase: 6%
Effective date: October 1, 2026
Estimated increase at 10,000 gallons: About $3.31
CLCWA's cited 10,000-gallon bill: $58.41
Property-tax hearing: October 8 at 7 p.m.
Proposed 2026 tax rate: $0.25 per $100 of assessed value
Water and Sewer Rates Increased October 1
CLCWA says a 6% increase in water and sewer rates became effective October 1.
According to information posted by the authority, the increase adds approximately $3.31 to the current bill for a standard residential customer using 10,000 gallons.
CLCWA lists a combined water and sewer cost of approximately $58.41 for 10,000 gallons under the new rate structure.
The authority says the change applies to residential, commercial and multifamily customers as well as customers in WCID 156 and WCID 161.
Why Did CLCWA Raise the Rates?
In its explanation to customers, CLCWA cites several factors behind the increase, including inflation, new regulatory requirements, supply-chain and security costs, personnel expenses and insurance costs.
The authority says its previous rate structure was no longer sufficient to support the costs associated with water, sanitary sewer, drainage and flood-protection services.
The 6% increase affects utility charges. It should not be confused with the separate property-tax process taking place this week.
Property-Tax Hearing Set for Thursday
The CLCWA Board of Directors is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 8, at 7 p.m. at the authority's offices at 900 Bay Area Boulevard.
The first item on the meeting agenda is a public hearing on the proposed 2026 ad valorem property-tax rate.
The proposed rate consists of $0.20 per $100 of assessed valuation for debt service and $0.05 per $100 for maintenance and operations, for a combined rate of $0.25 per $100.
The board is also scheduled to consider adopting the proposed rate later in the same meeting.
The Proposed Tax Rate Is Unchanged — But Your Bill May Not Be
CLCWA lists its total 2025 tax rate as $0.25 per $100 of taxable value, meaning the proposed 2026 rate would keep the nominal tax rate unchanged.
That does not necessarily mean every homeowner's tax bill will remain exactly the same.
The amount a property owner ultimately pays also depends on the taxable value assigned to the property and any exemptions that apply.
CLCWA currently offers a 20% general homestead exemption along with additional exemptions for qualifying residents age 65 or older, disabled homeowners and disabled veterans.
Tax Statements Follow the Rate Adoption Process
CLCWA explains that after Harris Central Appraisal District certifies property values, the water authority's board holds a public hearing and adopts its tax rate. Property-tax statements are then prepared and sent to property owners, mortgage companies or tax-service providers, depending on how an account is set up.
Residents who want to comment on the proposed rate can follow the participation instructions in the October 8 board agenda.
Talk of Clear Lake will follow Thursday's meeting and report the final tax rate adopted by the CLCWA Board of Directors.