Aurora Water Bill Cost Breakdown: 2026 Rates, Average Increase, Usage Tiers, Sewer and Storm Drain Charges
If your Aurora Water bill changed in 2026, this guide explains what increased, how residential water tiers work, why sewer charges are tied to winter usage, how storm drain and base charges fit into the total, and what to check before assuming the bill is wrong.
Aurora Water bills are not only based on the water you used. A typical residential bill may include a water base charge, tiered water usage, sewer base charge, sewer usage based on Winter Quarter Average, storm drain base charge, late fees, reconnect fees or past-due balances.
For 2026, Aurora Water says residential customers will see an average monthly increase of $5.30 total for water, sewer and storm drain combined. The actual amount can be lower or higher depending on household usage, meter size, winter sewer average, irrigation, leaks and payment status.
📊 Estimate my Aurora Water bill
Use this for: understanding what makes up your monthly bill instead of looking only at the final amount due.
Before estimating: keep your bill open and find gallons used, meter size, sewer average, billing date, due date and any past-due balance.
Best safe step: compare gallons month by month first, then compare dollars after adding base charges and sewer/storm drain charges.
Aurora Water Bill 2026 Cost and Rate Quick Facts
Aurora Water’s 2026 rate page says residential customers will see an average monthly increase of $5.30 total for water, sewer and storm drain combined. That does not mean every customer’s bill increases by exactly $5.30. A low-use household may see a different change than a high-irrigation household.
Aurora bills residential water in units of 1,000 gallons. Residential water usage becomes more expensive as usage rises through tiered blocks, which makes summer irrigation, hidden leaks and large outdoor watering especially important for cost control.
What This Aurora Water Bill Cost Guide Covers
How to Estimate an Aurora Water Bill in 2026
To estimate an Aurora Water bill, do not start with the final amount. Start with the bill components: water base charge, tiered water usage, sewer base charge, sewer usage, storm drain charge and any fees or past-due amounts.
Aurora Water bills water in 1,000-gallon units. Residential customers pay a lower rate for the first usage block and higher rates as usage increases.
Find your total water usage
Look for gallons used on your monthly bill or in the Aurora Water customer portal. Divide by 1,000 to understand how many billing units are charged.
Apply the residential tier rates
Use the official 2026 Aurora Water rate page. The first 5,000 gallons are charged at Tier I, then additional gallons move into higher tiers.
Add base charges
Add the water base charge and sewer base charge based on your meter size. Many residential accounts use a 5/8 or 3/4 inch meter, but always confirm from your account or bill.
Add sewer usage
Aurora sewer usage is based on Winter Quarter Average, not always the same as current-month water usage. The sewer usage charge is billed per 1,000 gallons.
Add storm drain and fees
Add the residential storm drain base charge, then check whether late fees, returned check fees, reconnect fees or past-due balances apply.
Aurora Water Residential Rates 2026: Tier-by-Tier Explanation
Aurora Water’s 2026 residential water rate structure uses four tiers. The more water a residential account uses, the more expensive each additional 1,000-gallon block can become.
This tiered structure is why irrigation, leaks, outdoor watering and unusually high summer use can increase the bill faster than expected.
| 2026 residential water tier | Usage range | Rate per 1,000 gallons | What it means for customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier I | 0-5,000 gallons | $5.80 | Lowest residential water usage block |
| Tier II | 5,001-10,000 gallons | $7.30 | Normal-to-moderate extra usage block |
| Tier III | 10,001-19,999 gallons | $10.42 | High household or outdoor usage range |
| Tier IV | 20,000 gallons and above | $14.60 | Very high usage; check irrigation, leaks and outdoor watering |
Aurora Water Base Charges: Why You Pay Even With Low Usage
Your bill can include base charges even if your water usage is low. A base charge supports the utility system and service availability. Aurora’s 2026 rates list base charges by meter size for residential, multifamily, commercial and irrigation accounts.
For many standard residential accounts, the meter may be 5/8 or 3/4 inch, but customers should verify the actual meter size on their account. Larger meters carry higher base charges.
| Meter size | Residential / multifamily / commercial water base | Irrigation base | Sewer base |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 & 3/4 inch | $15.69 | $14.68 | $5.95 |
| 1 & 1 1/4 inch | $24.63 | $22.10 | $14.87 |
| 1 1/2 inch | $39.54 | $34.48 | $29.73 |
| 2 inch | $57.44 | $49.34 | $47.58 |
Aurora Water Sewer Charges: Why Winter Usage Matters
Aurora lists the 2026 sewer usage rate at $5.46 per 1,000 gallons. But the amount of sewer usage billed is not simply the same as your current month’s water use.
Aurora uses Winter Quarter Average, which calculates average water use from December through February. The updated sewer charges are reflected on the April bill.
Winter usage matters
December, January and February water use influences sewer usage charges.
Winter Quarter AverageSewer billed later
The new sewer charges are reflected on the April bill.
Updated each springHow Aurora’s Winter Quarter Average Can Affect Your Average Monthly Bill
The Winter Quarter Average is one of the most important bill concepts for Aurora customers. It uses the average water consumption from December, January and February to estimate sewer usage.
Because outdoor watering is usually lower in winter, the winter average is designed to better estimate indoor water use that likely enters the sewer system. But hidden winter leaks can make the sewer average higher than normal.
A running toilet during winter can raise your sewer average.
Whole-house humidifiers can increase indoor water use.
Cold-weather leaks can quietly affect water and sewer calculations.
A vacant home can still have a running toilet or leak.
Review those months carefully because they shape sewer usage.
Aurora says the new sewer charges are reflected on the April bill.
Aurora Storm Drain Charge: Why It Appears on Your Water Bill
The storm drain charge is separate from drinking water use. Aurora’s 2026 rate page lists the residential storm drain base charge at $12.18.
Storm drain charges support stormwater and drainage services. Reducing indoor water usage usually does not remove the storm drain charge because it is not based on how many gallons you used inside your home.
Meaning: it is not a faucet, shower or toilet usage charge.
Meaning: it can appear even when water usage is low.
Meaning: it helps support stormwater infrastructure and services.
Meaning: Aurora’s average $5.30 monthly increase includes water, sewer and storm drain combined.
What “Average Monthly Aurora Water Bill” Really Means in 2026
When Aurora Water says residential customers will see an average monthly increase of $5.30, it is describing an average across residential customers and combined services. It is not a promise that every bill will increase by exactly $5.30.
Your actual monthly cost depends on the amount of water used, which tier your usage reaches, meter size, sewer winter average, storm drain charge, payment status and whether any fees apply.
| Customer pattern | Why bill may be lower | Why bill may be higher |
|---|---|---|
| Low indoor-use household | Stays mostly in Tier I water usage | Still pays base, sewer and storm drain charges |
| Family with moderate use | Predictable indoor use and no leaks | More laundry, showers and seasonal use |
| Irrigation-heavy home | Smart watering and leak-free system | Outdoor use can push into Tier III or Tier IV |
| Winter leak household | Leak repaired before winter average period | Winter usage may raise sewer charges later |
| Past-due account | Paid on time with no fees | 5% late fee, reconnect fee or past-due balance |
Why Your Aurora Water Bill May Increase in 2026
Aurora Water explains that rates are increasing because of rising costs for materials, energy and services needed to deliver drinking water, along with investment in aging infrastructure for reliable water, sewer and storm services.
But an individual bill increase can also come from personal account behavior, not only the citywide rate change.
Residential customers see an average monthly increase for combined services.
More water use moves usage through higher residential tiers.
Outdoor watering can push summer bills into high-cost tiers.
Toilet, irrigation, water softener or service-line leaks can raise usage.
Winter Quarter Average updates can change sewer charges in spring.
Base charges apply even when water usage is low.
Storm drain is separate from water consumption.
Old unpaid amounts can make the current bill look unusually high.
Fees can add to the bill if payment is late or service was shut off.
Aurora Water Bill Looks High? Check These Before Calling
A high Aurora Water bill can be caused by true high usage, a hidden leak, irrigation problems, winter sewer average changes, rate increases or fees. Before calling, collect the facts so customer service can help faster.
Compare gallons used
Open your bill or Aurora Water online profile and compare gallons used with prior months.
Check if usage moved tiers
If usage moved from under 10,000 gallons to over 10,000 gallons, the additional water is billed at a higher tier.
Inspect common leak sources
Check toilets, irrigation valves, sprinkler zones, hose bibbs, water softeners, humidifiers and visible wet spots.
Review sewer average months
If the April bill or later sewer charge changed, compare December, January and February usage.
Call billing with exact details
Call 303-739-7388 and explain account number, bill date, gallons used, leak checks completed and what changed from the prior bill.
Aurora Water Late Fees, Due Dates and Delinquent Shutoff Rules
Aurora Water says bills are generated monthly and amounts are due 20 days after the bill date. Due dates cannot be customized.
Five days past the due date creates past-due status, and a 5% late charge is assessed on the past-due amount. Aurora Water says delinquent shutoff can occur when the account balance is 40 days past due.
| Billing rule | Official detail | Customer action |
|---|---|---|
| Bill cycle | Bills are generated monthly | Check bill every month, even if on autopay |
| Due date | Due 20 days after bill date | Pay before due date; due dates cannot be customized |
| Past-due status | Five days past due | Avoid waiting until late window begins |
| Late fee | 5% of past-due amount | Pay or contact billing early if you cannot pay |
| Delinquent shutoff | Can occur when balance is 40 days past due | Call before the account reaches shutoff risk |
Turn On After Aurora Water Delinquent Shutoff
If water service has been discontinued and you made a payment online or through the automated phone system, Aurora Water says to call 303-739-7388 or log in to your online profile and complete a Reconnect Request.
Aurora Water says once the full past-due balance is paid, customers should contact the billing department in person or by phone, or complete the reconnect request online. Water will be turned on by the end of the day, and fees are incurred.
Pay the full past-due balance
Use the official Aurora Water customer portal or approved payment route.
Request reconnect
Call 303-739-7388 or complete a Reconnect Request after logging in online.
Confirm fees
Aurora lists a $38.25 Turn On After Delinquent Shut Off fee. Confirm the full account-specific amount before assuming the service will restore.
Prepare property safely
Before water is restored, make sure faucets are off and no fixtures are open, so the property does not flood when service returns.
Aurora Water Cares and Bill Assistance Options
Aurora Water says customers who have difficulty paying water bills due to medical crises, job losses or other challenges may be eligible for assistance through Aurora Water Cares.
To determine eligibility, Aurora Water lists Aurora Water Cares at 1-833-55WATER, which is 1-833-559-2837.
Call before shutoff risk grows
Contact 1-833-559-2837 as early as possible if you are facing hardship.
Prepare account information
Have your account number, service address, current balance, due date and hardship details ready.
Ask what the program can and cannot cover
Confirm eligibility, required documents, payment deadlines and whether any fees or shutoff notices remain active.
Keep new bills current
If assistance covers part of a balance, continue checking new bills so the account does not fall behind again.
Aurora Water Payment Options and Cost-Saving Payment Notes
Aurora Water provides online billing through the customer portal, pay-by-phone and other payment options listed on the official Billing and Rates page. ACH and e-check options continue at no cost according to Aurora’s payment notice.
Beginning June 9, 2025, Aurora says non-residential credit card payments for commercial, hydrant, irrigation and multifamily accounts include a $7.95 fee per each $500 payment increment. Residential customers should still review the payment screen before submitting any transaction.
Best for: viewing bills, paying online, paperless billing and reconnect requests.
Best for: 24-hour payment access through phone options.
Best for: no-cost electronic payment where available.
Best for: paying first, then calling or submitting reconnect request.
Official Aurora Water Bill Links, Rates, Contact Numbers and Assistance
Use these official Aurora Water resources for 2026 rates, billing, online account access, fees, reconnect, assistance and conservation guidance.
Billing and Rates
Main Aurora Water billing page with payment options, customer service and contact details.
Open Billing Page2026 Rates
Residential water tiers, sewer charges, storm drain charges and base charges.
Open 2026 RatesBilling Info and Fees
Monthly billing, due dates, late fee, shutoff, reconnect and service fee details.
Open Fees PageOnline Portal
View bill, make payment, manage account and submit reconnect request.
Open Customer PortalBilling Questions
Customer service, emergencies and water reconnects during business hours.
Call 303-739-7388After-Hours Support
Customer service, emergencies and reconnects after business hours.
Call 303-739-6772Aurora Water / City of Aurora Customer Service Location Map
Aurora Water’s official pages list the City of Aurora location at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012. Always confirm current office procedures before visiting for billing or reconnect issues.
City of Aurora Municipal Center
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012
Aurora Water Bill Cost, Rate and Average Monthly FAQs
How much will Aurora Water bills increase in 2026?
Aurora Water says residential customers will see an average monthly increase of $5.30 total for water, sewer and storm drain combined beginning January 1, 2026. Individual bills may change more or less depending on usage, fees and account details.
How is Aurora Water usage billed?
Aurora bills water in units of 1,000 gallons. Residential water uses tiered rates, so higher usage moves into more expensive tiers.
What are Aurora Water residential rates for 2026?
For 2026, residential water is listed at $5.80 for 0-5,000 gallons, $7.30 for 5,001-10,000 gallons, $10.42 for 10,001-19,999 gallons, and $14.60 for 20,000 gallons and above, billed per 1,000 gallons.
How is Aurora sewer usage calculated?
Aurora says sewer usage charges are based on Winter Quarter Average, which averages water consumption from December through February. The updated sewer charge appears on the April bill.
What is the Aurora storm drain fee in 2026?
Aurora’s 2026 rate page lists the residential storm drain base charge at $12.18.
When is my Aurora Water bill due?
Aurora Water says bills are generated monthly and are due 20 days after the bill date. Due dates cannot be customized.
What is the Aurora Water late fee?
Five days past the due date creates past-due status, and Aurora Water assesses a 5% late charge on the past-due amount.
When can Aurora Water shut off service for nonpayment?
Aurora Water says delinquent shutoff can occur when the account balance is 40 days past due, and fees are incurred.
What is Aurora Water billing customer service phone number?
Call 303-739-7388 for Aurora Water billing questions, business-hour customer service, emergencies and water reconnects. After business hours, Aurora lists 303-739-6772.
Can Aurora Water help if I cannot afford my bill?
Aurora Water says customers facing medical crisis, job loss or other challenges may be eligible for Aurora Water Cares. Call 1-833-559-2837 to ask about eligibility.
Before You Question or Pay Your Aurora Water Bill
First compare gallons used, not only the final dollar amount. Then check whether usage entered higher water tiers, whether sewer charges changed after the Winter Quarter Average update, and whether storm drain, base charges, late fees or past-due balances are included.
If your bill is high because of usage, inspect toilets, irrigation, hose bibbs, water softeners and winter leaks quickly. If the issue is payment hardship, call Aurora Water Cares before the account becomes 40 days past due and at risk of delinquent shutoff.