EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The Public Service Board, which oversees El Paso Water, is considering a 7 percent increase in rates compared to last year, the utility said in a news release issued late Tuesday night, Dec. 3. If the proposed budget is approved by the board, the typical residential customer will see an increase of $5.71 per month for water, wastewater and stormwater charges, El Paso Water said. That amounts to a 7 percent increase over last year, the utility said. El Paso Water staff presented proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budgets for water, wastewater and stormwater to the PSB on Tuesday night. “The main budget driver continues to be the need to invest in infrastructure to boost reliability,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew. “We reduced our capital improvement project budget to hold down further budget increases. Looking forward, we are looking to balance utility needs against what customers are paying.” The PSB also approved a discount for low-water users. Under this move, "very low water users" of 1 CCF will qualify for a 30 percent discount on minimum charges, the utility said. Also, the utility said the waiver for the water supply replacement charge will be raised from 3 CCFs or less to 4 CCFs or less. That means an additional 19,000 customers will be eligible for savings of $15.62 a month, the utility said. The utility also says it has multiple residential rebate programs to help customers. There are also rebate programs available for businesses. You can learn more by clicking here. Under the proposed budgets, the utility says its priorities will be met in the following areas: Reliability - $342 million: Wastewater plant improvements, pipes, pumping systems and meter replacement program. Bustamante Plant expansion and rehabilitation remains largest project. Growth - $126 million: Northwest development waterline, East waterline extension andNortheast wastewater main upgrades. Water supply - $76 million: Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant expansion, AdvancedWater Purification Facility and aquifer replenishment. Flood control - $66 million: New ponds and improvements to dams and pipes. The PSB will vote on the FY2025-26 budget, including rates and fees, during its Jan. 8 meeting. The public can attend and comment on the proposed budget and rates at the PSB's Dec. 11 and Jan. 8 meetings. You can also email comments to [email protected] through Jan. 7.