Residents in La Crosse and Superior Face Higher Water Bills

Residents in Superior, Colorado, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, are facing higher utility bills as both communities raise rates to fund water-system costs. Superior approved increases of 9.5% for water, 7.5% for sewer and 5% for storm drainage, amounting to about $10 more per month on average; the town cited expensive treatment and infrastructure needs, while saying its bills remain below those of nearby communities. In La Crosse, the water rate increase took effect Oct. 1, raising the monthly charge for a customer using 4,000 gallons from $17.88 to $29.69. Officials say aging pipes—more than 40% of the system’s water piping is over 80 years old—along with rising maintenance, energy and compliance costs necessitated the increase. La Crosse sewer rates are also rising 4% starting Nov. 1, with stormwater rates increasing 3% on Jan. 1, 2027; customers may not see the full changes until later bills.