• You used more water. You can view a 12- month usage history on the left-hand side of your bill. 

• The Phase three base and volumetric rate increase (see above) is now in effect. Review the one-page Budget Explainer to learn more. 

• You received a new water meter that is accurately recording and transmitting your usage. This is preceded by a letter in the mail and a door hanger notification.  

• Your bill is for a longer billing cycle than the previous. 

• You may have requested additional services such as a special trash pick-up or meter check. 

• The manual reading for your meter was misread. You can request a free recheck of your meter once every 12 months from the Water Business Office. 

• Leaks or breaks in your water line or damaged irrigation systems. Automatic irrigation may turn on when you are unaware. Check your irrigation programming regularly.  

• Seasonal factors such as additional irrigation, pool maintenance, holiday activities etc.   

• Indoor use such as showers and baths, toilet use/ running toilets, laundry, dishwashing, faucet use, leaks in toilets, faucets, or showerheads, etc. 

A water and sewer rate study by NewGen Strategies & Solutions identified former rates were insufficient to fund operations and maintenance. Additionally, Tyler’s declining rate structure put opportunities to receive State Funding in jeopardy.  

In Oct. 2022, TWU began a five-year move from a declining rate structure, where you paid less for the more water you used, to a uniform volumetric rate structure where everyone pays the same rate per gallon. We also ended the free 2,000 gallons of water that residents used to get every month. This change promotes water conservation, fairness and access to State funding to help support our utility system. 

In the 2024-25 budget, TWU began Phase Three of the new rate plan, which means the average customer will see a water and sewer cost increase of about $10.90 to $24.49, and a small solid waste increase of 91 cents. These increases go directly to capital projects and maintenance.  

In 2023, the City of Tyler completed master plans for water and sewer systems, identifying essential improvements needed to meet Federal, State, and customer expectations. This includes catch up maintenance from past decades when rates were too low to support adequate repair.  

In Oct. 2024, the City announced $50 million in improvements to the water and sewer systems to begin fixing issues like pressure, taste and odor, and improve customer experience. 

Tyler Water Utilities is in the process of replacing 11,000 water meters that were underreporting volumetric consumption by December 2025. This project is partially funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

Some meters that will be replaced are being reported manually by meter readers. Customers should contact the Water Business Office if they believe there is an error on their bill. To learn more, visit Water Meter Replacement Program | Tyler, TX.