Wholesale customers participating in The San Jacinto River Authority Groundwater Reduction Plan can expect lower groundwater and surface water rates after the SJRA board of directors approved a rate order amendment Jan 22.
What you need to know
According to a news release from the SJRA, the groundwater rate will decrease from $2.62 to $2.51 per 1,000 gallons of groundwater pumped by GRP participants. The release also indicates that the surface water rate will also see a reduction from $3.21 to $3.10 per 1,000 gallons of treated surface water delivered from Lake Conroe to participants. This is the third rate reduction since 2024, and new rates went into effect Feb. 1, according to the release.
These rates are different from The Woodlands rates, which are approved separately.
What they’re saying
“These rate decreases are made possible by a settlement agreement reached with the city of Conroe in 2025 ending their litigation related to the GRP contract,” SJRA General Manager Aubrey Spear said. “Putting this litigation behind us is best for all GRP participants and their rate payers. With Conroe’s settlement payment, along with savings on legal fees, SJRA can further reduce the wholesale water rates. Ending the litigation also strengthens our partnership with Conroe to continue supplying water to its growing population.”
What it means
SJRA reported it has 80 customers under contract, and seven receive surface water. GRP participants are comprised of retail water providers such as cities, municipal utility districts and independently owned utilities.
The 80 customers are on a GRP Review Committee that meets monthly to discuss expectations and policy recommendations based on the GRP. The recommendations go through the SJRA Board of Directors for approval. For information on how retail rates are set, SJRA encourages retail customers to reach out to their providers.