Water infrastructure in Rowlett — why your bill might go up and what the city is doing about it

If your Rowlett water bill has been creeping up, you're not imagining it. Here's what's happening and why.

Where Rowlett's water comes from: Rowlett buys treated water wholesale from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). NTMWD gets water from multiple reservoirs including Lavon Lake, Lake Texoma (via the pipeline), and Lake Chapman. The water is treated at NTMWD's Wylie treatment plant and delivered to member cities including Rowlett.

Why rates are increasing:

1. NTMWD wholesale costs are going up. NTMWD is in the middle of a massive capital improvement program — expanding treatment capacity, building new pipelines, upgrading aging infrastructure. These costs get passed through to member cities. NTMWD's wholesale rate has increased approximately 6-8% annually for the past several years.
2. Rowlett's own distribution system needs work. Some of Rowlett's water mains date to the 1970s and 1980s. The city is systematically replacing aging pipes, which costs money. The water main replacement project on Main St is part of this effort.
3. Growth adds demand. Sapphire Bay, new subdivisions, and infill development all add water demand. The system needs capacity upgrades to keep up.

Current rates (FY2026):

• Base charge: ~$15/month (varies by meter size)
• Water: approximately $4.50-$6.00 per 1,000 gallons (tiered — higher usage costs more per gallon)
• Sewer: approximately $5.00 per 1,000 gallons
• Average residential bill (8,000 gallons/month): $75-$95
• Summer bills with irrigation can easily hit $150-$200+

What the city is doing:

• Pipe replacement program: Targeting the oldest mains first. Priority areas include portions of Main St, Rowlett Rd, and older neighborhoods in Princeton Park area.
• Leak detection: The city invested in acoustic leak detection technology. Undetected leaks waste treated water and cost money.
• Conservation programs: Free sprinkler system audits for residents. Water-wise landscaping rebates.
• Capital planning: The CIP includes water and sewer infrastructure projects totaling $15M+ over 5 years.

How to lower your bill:

• Fix running toilets immediately — a single running toilet can waste 200 gallons/day
• Water your lawn before 10 AM or after 6 PM to reduce evaporation
• Get the free sprinkler audit from the city — they'll check for broken heads and overspray
• Check your meter reading yourself to catch leaks early

Sources:

• City of Rowlett Utility Billing — rate schedules
• NTMWD — capital improvement plan and wholesale rate projections
• City of Rowlett CIP — water and sewer project list