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5150 Snead Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525

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Rate Studies

Learn how FCLWD evaluates rates to maintain reliable, sustainable water service.

In 2026, the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD) is conducting a rate study to assess monthly and tap fees. This page is your central resource to understand the process, key timelines, frequently asked questions, and past updates. Our goal is to keep you informed and confident in the District’s decision-making process.

Rate Study Process

2026 Rate Study Timeline

Mar – Jul 2026
Rate Study evaluation by an independent third party
Jul 2026
HOA working sessions
Aug 2026
Rate study presented to the Board of Directors
Sep 2026
Public rate hearingExact date TBD
Oct – Dec 2026
Board deliberation and rate approval
Jan 1, 2027
2027 rates take effect

Timeline subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rate study and why does FCLWD conduct one?

A rate study is an independent evaluation of the District’s finances and system to ensure rates are fair, sustainable, and maintain reliable service.

Rates are data-driven, considering operational costs, infrastructure needs, water supply reliability, and regulatory compliance. The FCLWD Leadership Team and Board of Directors review the rate study and determine what rates should be to ensure the District can continue to fullfill it's mission.

The Board of Directors reviews the study and approves the rates in alignment with the District’s long-term plans.

Tap fees from new development fund growth-related infrastructure. Monthly charges from existing customers cover maintenance and improvement.

Follow updates via the website, social media, newsletters, and the public hearing. HOAs have additional opportunities through working sessions and a post-session survey.

Factors that Influence Rates

Water rates are determined by several key considerations that together ensure the District can provide safe, reliable, and high-quality water. These factors include the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the system, necessary investments in infrastructure to support future growth, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The following items highlight the main elements that influence how rates are structured:

Infrastructure Maintenance

Replacing and upgrading pipes, treatment facilities, and storage tanks to maintain reliable service.

Operating Costs

Expenses for staffing, electricity, and daily system operations.

Growth-related Infrastructure

Tap fees from new development fund projects that expand the system to serve additional customers.

Water Supply Reliability

Investments in regional water projects and partnerships to ensure a consistent, long-term water supply.

Regulatory Compliance

Costs associated with meeting state and federal water quality and safety standards.

HOA Resources

FCLWD recognizes that HOAs have unique needs when it comes to planning for water costs and communicating with residents. This section will provide resources designed to help HOA boards understand the rate study process, interpret potential impacts on their budgets, and access supporting materials.

These resources are intended to give HOAs the information they need to plan effectively and stay informed, while ensuring clarity about the District’s role and the Board’s ultimate decision-making authority.

Resources Coming Soon

HOA Working Sessions

FCLWD plans to offer dedicated working sessions for HOA boards to review the rate study, ask questions, and gain clarity on how upcoming rates may affect their budgets.

Stay Tuned for Meeting Dates

Previous Rate Studies

2024 Tap Fee Study

Key Takeaways:

  • Purpose & Planning: The District updated tap fees to ensure that new development pays its proportionate share of system infrastructure and water resource costs .
  • Cost of Service: Fees were calculated for residential, multifamily, commercial, and irrigation accounts based on lot size or meter size, water usage, and a climate contingency factor to account for supply variability.
  • Board Decision: The Board approved adjustments to the fee schedule, incorporating consultant recommendations to reflect system growth costs while maintaining equity across customer classes.

 

Download the 2024 Tap Fee Analysis

2023 Rate Study

Key Takeaways:

  • Purpose & Planning: The study updated water rates and tap fees to ensure costs are proportionately recovered across customer classes while supporting the District’s financial sustainability.
  • Cost of Service: Residential, multifamily, commercial, and irrigation fees were adjusted based on cost-of-service analysis, projected usage, and infrastructure needs, with tiered residential rates supporting conservation.
  • Board Decision: The Board approved rate changes for 2025, including a roughly 30% increase in base and tiered usage rates, ensuring new development pays its fair share while maintaining reliable service for existing customers.

 

Download the 2023 Rate Study

2017 Rate Study

Key Takeaways:

  • Purpose & Planning: The District evaluated financial health and water system needs to ensure a secure water future, including projected Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) investments through 2030.
  • Cost of Service: Some customer classes were paying less than the cost to serve them (e.g., single-family residential and irrigation customers like HOAs), while others paid more.
  • Rates & Tap Fees: The Board planned a 4% across-the-board rate increase to support ongoing system reinvestment. Tap fees were also scheduled for review to align future charges with system expansion needs.

 

Download the 2018 Rate Study Summary

Download the 2018 Rate Study Report

Attention Customers!

We are experiencing a water outage in Loveland between 65th and 57th, between Hwy 287 and County Road 13. Crews are in route. You may experience low to no pressure at this time. As of 3:44 pm, there is no estimated time for repair completion.

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