Proposed Big Bend Water Rate Increase

Ensuring sustainable and reliable water delivery throughout Laughlin requires continued investment to maintain, repair, and upgrade the community’s water infrastructure.

While Laughlin's water system is reliable, some facilities and equipment required for the treatment and delivery of the community’s drinking water are reaching the end of their service life. As a result, the Big Bend Water District (BBWD) identified approximately $9.7 million in water system improvements that will be required over the next decade to continue protecting the long-term sustainability of the community’s water treatment and distribution system.

The BBWD is proposing a water rate increase to fund necessary system improvements. In addition to funding the necessary system improvements, the rate increase will help generate funding reserves needed to address unexpected future costs such as water main breaks or other water-related emergencies within the community.

Funding System Improvements

The necessary water system improvements include replacement, refurbishment and upgrades to the water treatment and water distribution facilities listed below.

Funding System Improvements
Treatment Facility Improvements	Water Distribution System Improvements
Replace ozone generators New power generator Roof replacement Chemical tank replacements Raw water intake screen replacements Meter and meter vault upgrades Replace and refurbish existing pumps/motors HVAC upgrades	Pipeline repairs and replacements Tank coating and tank mixing systems Pump replacement (Casino Drive Pumping Station) Unforeseen emergency repairs

Proposed Rate Increase Options

While Laughlin's current water system complies with all state regulations, additional water storage tanks will be required in the future to meet revised regulatory standards and support future growth and development.

The BBWD has applied for state and federal funding to develop a new water storage tank to help meet revised regulatory standards in the future; however, approval of those funding requests remains uncertain.

Typically, developers – not existing customers – pay all costs to expand the water system and construct the water facilities necessary to serve new customers. This includes developer-related costs for constructing pipelines, hydrants, pumping facilities, and water storage tanks. However, local developers’ efforts to secure funding for a new tank to support new development has been a challenge.

Because of these funding challenges, the BBWD has included a rate option below that includes funding a new storage tank through a water rate increase. It is important to note that the BBWD is not advocating for or against this funding approach for the storage tank. This is an optional funding scenario for the community to consider.

Proposed Rate Increase Options
Baseline Increase	OPTION: New Storage Tank
Capital Funding: $9.7 million (water system projects) Rate Impact: 7.1% annual increase to water rates for five years; plus the existing CPI annual increase Typical residential water bill would increase between $4.22 to $5.60 annually for five years Funds necessary improvements Establishes reserve funding Maintains a safe, reliable water system	Capital Funding: $9.7 million (water system projects) $9.0 million (new storage tank) Rate Impact: 7.1% annual increase to water rates for nine-years; plus the existing CPI annual increase Typical residential water bill would increase between $4.22 to $8.03 annually for nine years Funds necessary improvements Establishes reserve funding Maintains a safe, reliable water system Funds construction of new storage tank to help meet revised state standards and allow for new development

System Development Approval Fees

Developer fees for new water service connections have not changed in more than 20 years. The BBWD is proposing an increase to these fees to keep pace with inflation.

Learn More at Public Workshops

The BBWD will hold three public workshops to inform customers and solicit comments from residents and businesses about the proposed rate options. Please join us at one of the workshops below to learn more about these water system improvements and provide comments on your preferred rate option.

Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Laughlin Library, 2840 South Needles Hwy

Monday, July 21 at 2 p.m.
Laughlin Government Center, 101 Civic Way

Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Laughlin Library, 2840 South Needles Hwy

Unable to Attend?

Those unable to attend one of the workshops may provide feedback using an online form.