Rates & Regulatory Information

Water and wastewater service rates are based on the documented costs of treating and delivering water to customers, and are regulated by state public utilities commissions (PUCs). All Arizona American Water customers are charged rates approved by the Arizona Corporate Commission.

To determine rates, Arizona American Water, PUC staff, and others study costs of construction, maintenance, operation, administration and financing. Once the studies are complete, the company and PUC staff present any differing conclusions before an administrative law judge. Based on the judge’s opinion, the PUC sets the water rates.

Rates and billing frequency vary based on geographic area, class of customer, and meter size. In many areas, customers are billed based on a regular meter reading, while in some areas there is flat-rate billing. 

Rates vary based on the cost of providing service in each of the communities we serve. Before it reaches your home or business, water is treated through an intricate involved process. Water begins its journey from its source and travels through our highly sophisticated plants, into underground pipes, to its final destination, your tap. That source can be a river, aquifer, or an underground well. Along the way, our teams of certified operators, scientists and engineers use the latest technology to oversee and monitor the water’s passage and progress. We test the water quality frequently, using leading methods we pioneered. We understand the value of clean, high-quality water on tap 24 hours a day, and are committed to delivering it reliably. Each year, we conduct more than one million tests and measurements nationwide using the most advanced technology and equipment available at our state-of-the-art, world-renowned research laboratory in Belleville, Illinois, and at our local utility labs.

Reliable high-quality water service improves our lives and communities by:

• Protecting public health
• Providing fire protection
• Creating opportunities for economic growth.

Of all of your needs, water is the single most important. It is a life essential resource – you need it every day for almost everything you do. Arizona American Water takes that very seriously and constantly looks for ways to improve upon how to deliver reliable, high quality water. At about a penny a gallon, and considering how often you use water every day – it’s easy to see the true value of your water service – what other item household in your household budget is as affordable? Think about how often you use your service and you’ll see why Arizona American Water is truly an exceptional value.