The City of Chandler has announced that new utility rates will take effect starting March 2, 2026. The city operates water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste utilities and conducts an annual review to determine if rate adjustments are necessary to cover operating costs and debt service for capital improvements.
Following this year’s evaluation, Chandler determined that revenue increases were needed for the fiscal year 2025-26. The approved rate hikes are 15% for water, 15% for wastewater, 18% for reclaimed water, and 6% for solid waste services. These changes were approved by the Chandler City Council on January 22, 2026, except for the solid waste rates which will be considered at the council meeting on February 26, 2026.
According to city officials, “The increased rates are essential to ensure that the city has the needed funds to cover the costs of providing water, wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste services.”
For a typical residential homeowner in Chandler, these changes will mean an estimated increase of about $9 per month in utility bills.
Despite these increases, Chandler reports it continues to offer lower utility costs compared with other cities in the region. Based on an annual cost comparison conducted by Tempe, after incorporating the new rates residents in Chandler will pay an average of $83 per month for combined utility services. This remains below monthly averages reported in Scottsdale ($119), Tempe ($123), Peoria ($125), Phoenix ($139), Glendale ($150), Mesa ($155), and Gilbert ($156).
Additional changes affecting some existing fees related to solid waste services are also planned.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the city at 480-782-2280 or email utilitybilling@chandleraz.gov.
