Rain good for homeowners, bad for utility companies

Homeowners in southern Colorado are saving money on their water bills, thanks to the record rain.

Residents said it has rained so much in the area, they haven’t had to water much.

“(It’s) fantastic,” Ron Romero said. “And the bill feels even better.”

But because homeowners are watering less, the utility companies are receiving less in revenue.

In Colorado Springs, irrigation makes up between 40 percent and 50 percent of Colorado Springs Utilities’ water revenue. It’s currently down $17 million. The company doesn’t plan on raising rates, but some preventative work may have to wait.

“In future years, if we’re not able to keep up on all that preventative work, we would likely see more increases in main breaks, other water issues, infrastructure,” Colorado Springs Utilities Chief Financial Officer Bill Cherrier said.

In Pueblo, the water revenue is down about $2.5 million. The Pueblo Board of Water Works is finding other ways to make up for the loss.