BPUB provides reliable water delivery and wastewater treatment services to Brownsville and surrounding areas. Our rate structure includes both a monthly customer service charge (based on meter size) and consumption charges that vary based on usage volume. Rates differ for customers inside city limits versus outside city limits.
Rates effective October 15, 2025.
Water Rate Schedules
Water - Customer Service Charge (Monthly)
The customer service charge covers the costs of meter reading, billing, and system maintenance. Rates are based on meter size and customer type:
| Meter Size | Residential Inside City | Residential Outside City | Non-Residential Inside City | Non-Residential Outside City | Wholesale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | $30.56 | $45.84 | $30.48 | $45.72 | $30.56 |
| 2" | $80.32 | $120.51 | $80.14 | $120.21 | $80.32 |
| 3" | $185.88 | $279.12 | $185.62 | $278.43 | $185.88 |
| 4" | $283.15 | $425.04 | $282.66 | $424.00 | $283.15 |
| 6" | $544.53 | $817.51 | $543.67 | $815.51 | $544.53 |
| 8" | $854.08 | $1,282.19 | $852.70 | $1,279.06 | $854.08 |
| 10" | $1,257.83 | $1,888.26 | $1,255.75 | $1,883.64 | $1,257.83 |
| ¾" or less | $16.28 | $24.48 | $24.48 | $36.72 | $16.28 |
| 1½" | $50.69 | $76.05 | $50.57 | $75.86 | $50.69 |
Water - Consumption Charges (Residential)
Water consumption is billed in tiered blocks to encourage conservation. The more water you use, the higher your per-unit cost:
| Usage Block | Inside City | Outside City |
|---|---|---|
| Block 1 (0 – 3,000 gallons) | $2.67 per 1,000 gal | $4.01 per 1,000 gal |
| Block 2 (3,001 – 9,000 gallons) | $2.96 per 1,000 gal | $4.44 per 1,000 gal |
| Block 3 (9,001 – 16,000 gallons) | $3.65 per 1,000 gal | $5.47 per 1,000 gal |
| Block 4 (Over 16,000 gallons) | $5.51 per 1,000 gal | $8.26 per 1,000 gal |
Conservation Tip: The tiered rate structure is designed to encourage water conservation. By staying within the first usage block (0-3,000 gallons), you'll pay the lowest rate per gallon.
Water - Consumption Charges (Non-Residential)
Non-residential water consumption is billed at a flat rate per 1,000 gallons for all usage volumes:
| Usage | Inside City | Outside City |
|---|---|---|
| All consumption | $3.52 per 1,000 gal | $5.29 per 1,000 gal |
Fire Support Services
Fire support fees are based on connection size and included in your monthly bill to support fire hydrant maintenance and water system capacity for fire protection.
| Connection Size | Inside City | Outside City |
|---|---|---|
| 4" | $13.75 | $20.69 |
| 6" | $40.10 | $60.13 |
| 8" | $85.35 | $128.12 |
| 10" | $153.65 | $230.39 |
| 12" | $273.55 | $410.27 |
Fire Support Consumption Charges:
| Volume | Inside City | Outside City |
|---|---|---|
| All volumes | $3.53 per 1,000 gal | $5.25 per 1,000 gal |
Resaca Fee (being eliminated)
A monthly resaca maintenance fee of $6.25 has applied to customers in designated resaca service areas to support the resaca water management system.
Update: The Brownsville City Commission has voted to eliminate the Resaca Fee. Pending final approval, customers can expect the fee to be removed from their bills. Funds already collected will continue to support dredging operations that benefit the community's drinking water supply.
Wastewater Rate Schedules
Wastewater - Customer Service Charge (Monthly)
Wastewater service charges vary by meter size:
| Meter Size | Inside City | Outside City |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | $18.51 | $27.84 |
| 2" | $49.97 | $75.02 |
| 3" | $114.63 | $172.14 |
| 4" | $193.99 | $291.29 |
| 6" | $336.54 | $505.32 |
| 8" | $565.81 | $849.54 |
| 10" | $915.58 | $1,374.69 |
| ¾" or less | $10.57 | $15.87 |
| 1½" | $31.74 | $47.67 |
Wastewater - Consumption Charges
| Usage Block | Residential | Non-Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Block 1 (0 – 7,000 gallons) | $4.85 per 1,000 gal | $7.99 per 1,000 gal |
| Block 2 (Over 7,000 gallons) | $5.32 per 1,000 gal | $8.26 per 1,000 gal |
Billing Note: Wastewater charges are typically based on your water consumption, as wastewater volume is estimated from water usage. During high outdoor watering months, you may request a wastewater cap adjustment.
How to read your bill
Learn how to understand each component of your monthly utility bill and track your usage patterns.
Conservation Resources
Looking to reduce your water bill? BPUB offers resources to help you conserve water:
- Water Conservation Tips - Simple ways to reduce water usage
- GoGreen Rebates - Financial incentives for water-efficient fixtures
- Report a Leak - Help us prevent water waste
Rate Ordinance
BPUB's rates and charges are established by the City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances.
- City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances — Chapter 102 (Utilities), Article III: Rates & Charges (PDF)
Questions About Your Rates?
If you have questions about your water or wastewater bill, or need assistance understanding rate changes, please contact us: