Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2027 - Frequently Asked Questions
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Why are water and sewer rates increasing? Rate adjustments are needed to keep Tulsa’s water and sewer systems reliable. Much of the City’s infrastructure is aging and requires regular maintenance and major upgrades. Rising costs for materials, equipment and labor, largely due to inflation, also impact the cost to operate these systems.
Does the City make a profit from utility bills? No. By law, all money collected from water, sewer and refuse fees can only be used to operate and maintain those services. The City cannot use utility funds for any other programs, nor can it earn a profit.
Will any of these rate increases fund other City efforts, like homelessness services? No. Utility funds can only be used for the cost of providing each specific utility. They cannot support unrelated programs.
Why are rates increasing now? In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was nearly a decade with no water rate increases. While this kept costs low for residents at the time, it was not sustainable. Essential maintenance continued, materials and labor costs rose with inflation, and the lack of gradual increases shifted more of the financial burden onto future Tulsans.
Why are refuse rate increases lower than water and sewer? Refuse rates were kept to a 4% increase thanks to internal cost-saving measures, including:
Ending twice-a-week trash collection services
Exiting wholesale and commercial green waste services
Reducing the capital replacement budget for trash bins
Using a portion of TARE’s fund balance to prevent passing the full inflationary cost increases directly to customers
What is the process for reviewing and approving utility rates?
City departments submit budget recommendations.
Water and sewer go to the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (TMUA), a resident-led authority with independent decision-making authority from the City.
Refuse goes to the Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy (TARE), a Public Trust created in 1977 to manage solid waste (trash) on behalf of the City.
Approved recommendations are sent to the Mayor for the proposed budget.
City Council reviews the recommendations and talks with subject-matter experts.
City Council holds public hearings to gather input from the public on the proposed budget.
City Council formally votes to approve any final changes to the collection fees and charges.
When do the new rates take effect? New rates begin in October and appear on November bills.
What happens if the City does not raise rates? If needed improvements are not funded, the Federal government could, and has in other communities, require the City to make improvements under a consent decree. This is an order that typically results in much larger, more sudden rate increases. Steady, planned adjustments help prevent major cost spikes and protect Tulsa from severe system failures, like what occurred in Flint, Michigan.
Is Tulsa’s drinking water safe? Yes. The City of Tulsa consistently meets or exceeds all state and federal water quality standards.
How does the City ensure high water quality?
Tulsa participates in the national Partnership for Safe Water, which requires going beyond minimum water quality regulations.
Both City water treatment plants received the 5 Year Presidents Award in 2025 for outstanding performance.
More than 47,000 water quality tests were completed in 2025.
No detectable PFAS or lithium were found during EPA-required testing.
Through the True Reads program, water service line materials continue to be inspected as residential water meters are upgraded.
How can I lower my utility bill? You can take several steps to reduce your costs:
Reduce water use and fix leaks (running toilets are common hidden sources).
Use a smaller trash cart if your household produces less waste.
Lower winter water use to reduce your sewer “cap,” which affects your sewer charges. More information: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/finance/utilities/sewer-charges-explained/
What should I do if I’m having trouble paying my utility bill? Help is available:
Call 311 to set up a payment plan through the automated system.
Call 211 or text HELP to 877-836-2111 to connect to resources for utilities, food, rent and more. For more information, visit 211eok.org.
Use the Tulsa Financial Empowerment Center for free financial counseling. Visit goodwilltulsa.org/FEC or call 918-802-7279 for an appointment.
What other utility assistance is available? As part of FY 2027 budget discussions, City Councilors asked the Office of Financial Empowerment and Community Wealth (OFE) to develop a Utility Assistance Program. Councilors are currently collaborating with the OFE to develop a program proposal for residents who meet certain income requirements.
Where can I find out more? Visit www.cityoftulsa.org/utilities.
