07-20-26 Water Resources Advisory Board Meeting

The City of Boulder Water Resources Advisory Board held a meeting on July 20, 2026, focusing primarily on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and utility rate structures for water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Staff presented detailed financial overviews of the utility funds, highlighting that expenses in 2025 exceeded revenues, necessitating the use of fund balances and bond proceeds to cover capital projects. The board discussed the prioritization of capital projects based on asset condition and risk, with significant projects including dam rehabilitations and pipeline replacements. Two alternative water rate structures were proposed for commercial customers: a new block rate structure by consumption and a standardized water budget approach. The board also reviewed projected rate increases for 2027-2029 and discussed the challenges of balancing infrastructure needs with rate affordability. Additionally, the meeting addressed water quality concerns related to an algae bloom at Boulder Reservoir and outlined upcoming public engagement and decision milestones for the CIP and rate adjustments.