Salt Lake City Considers First Water, Sewer Impact Fee Hike Since 1999

Salt Lake City, UT, September 8, 2026 — Salt Lake City is currently reviewing potential increases to its water and sewer impact fees, a move that could represent the first adjustment to these charges since 1999.

Impact fees are typically assessed when new development occurs and are intended to help utility systems cover the costs associated with expanding capacity to serve new customers. These fees are designed to ensure that growth does not unduly burden existing ratepayers by requiring new connections to help pay for necessary infrastructure upgrades and expansions.

The city has not altered its water and sewer impact fee structure in over two decades, with the current rates established in 1999. The proposal to raise these fees comes as the city examines its infrastructure needs and the long-term financial sustainability of its water and sewer services.

Specific details regarding the proposed fee amounts, the timeline for consideration, or the exact reasons for the proposed increase beyond general infrastructure needs were not provided. The public will likely be given opportunities to comment on the proposed changes as the process moves forward, although further information on public engagement has not yet been released.

The consideration of these fee increases is a standard municipal practice aimed at balancing the costs of growth and infrastructure maintenance. Should the fees be updated, it would reflect adjustments to the cost of providing water and sewer services that have likely changed significantly since the late 1990s.

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