A looming proposal would have raised water utility rates while implementing a new tiered consumption rate.

The proposal called for a 12% increase to water rates for residential and nonresidential customers to go into effect this spring, with additional increases to occur for the next eight years.

Under the change, average water users would notice about a $6 increase to their monthly bill, while higher water users’ monthly statements could rise by as much as $26.

The proposed tiered rates would be based on how much water a property uses, resulting in minimal financial impacts for essential household water needs, though the changes could be astronomical for more excessive use.

The City Council said fixing Provo’s aging water system was the primary reason for the rate adjustment.

Keith Larson of Bowen Collins & Associates, an engineering firm that consulted with Provo on the recommended rates, said over half of the city’s water system is more than 30 years old.

He said about 16% of the city’s water pipes are more than a century old or getting close to the 100-year mark.

“A typical expectation for a water pipe is somewhere between 60 and 80 years,” Larson told the council. “Eighty (years) is a really good old pipe. Sixty (years) is maybe a little bit more typical of what we see. So the fact that we have these 100-year-old pipes is a little concerning to us.”

Provo has addressed repairs such as leaks by replacing old pipes and performing other maintenance as issues arise.

Larson said the city currently has been spending roughly $9 million annually in rehabilitation and replacement. The firm recommends the city should be investing between $14 million and $18 million to keep up on sustaining Provo’s water infrastructure system.

Overall, the proposed master plan called for around $80 million in funding for capital improvement projects in Provo over the next decade to accommodate future growth and maintain service to customers.

Residents and those representing Provo businesses spoke out on the matter Tuesday, largely in opposition of the proposed rate increase, Many said they understood the severity of maintaining the city’s water delivery system but suggested other alternatives like conservation or a more staggered rate hike over time.

“I just think it would be unfair for the city to force me into an unsustainable situation,” said Vicky Garing, who’s lived on a property measuring three-quarters of an acre for just over 40 years.

Provo resident Dave Lewis said he supports the proactive approach in ensuring Provo has a sustainable water system but disagrees with the “surge pricing” for higher water users.

“I would just ask that (you) look at other options,” Lewis told the council.

Paul Evans, another Provo resident, said he too appreciated the matter being explored but suggested council members deliberate further.

The City Council seemingly was in agreement to hold off on imposing the increase at this time.

“I would like to make a motion that we continue this discussion and take time to undertake an education program with our residents, through the district program, through the downtown business alliance program, and help people understand where we’re coming from, many who are hearing this for the first time,” City Council Chair Gary Garrett said. “And give our staff more time to help us uncover or discover other ways that we can combine a perhaps more modest rate increase with other sources.”

City Council member Rachel Whipple said she didn’t particularly like the idea of delaying the decision, as talks about the need to raise water rates and boost revenue have been underway since late 2023, but conceded that it’s the best course of action at this time.

She encouraged community members and business owners to be engaged and educate themselves on why, in her mind, the increase is vital.

“We’ve been talking about this for over a year and a half, and we want you to be involved,” Whipple said. “We do want to hear (from residents) because your information helps us make better decisions.”

The City Council voted unanimously to table the discussion for the time being.