The San Antonio Water System ("SAWS") is requesting proposals from a consultant or consulting firm to perform a comprehensive rate study. The purpose of the Rate Study is to evaluate and provide recommendations regarding the rate structures for water delivery, water supply, recycled water, and wastewater operations. The study will encompass SAWS' current water and wastewater service areas.
The Rate Study shall assess the adequacy, sustainability, and appropriateness of all rates, fees, and charges assessed by SAWS. Recommendations should consider a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, conservation, customer consumption characteristics, cost-of-service principles, fairness and equity among customer classes, financial stability, customer affordability, revenue stability, and economic development.
The Consultant shall evaluate alternative rate structures and provide recommendations that support SAWS' long-term financial planning, capital investment needs, Water Forward Program objectives, and customer service goals. Recommendations shall also consider the priorities and policy directions established by the San Antonio City Council (City Council), the SAWS Board of Trustees (Board) and the Rate Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC consists of citizens appointed to make recommendations to the Board about changes to SAWS rate design.
Estimated Timeline:
October 30, 2026 — RFP Released
November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. (CST) — VIRTUAL Non-Mandatory Pre-Submittal Conference
November 11, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. (CST) — Receipt of Written Questions Due
November 12, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. (CST) — Q & A Posted to Website
November 20, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. (CST) — Proposals Due
November/December 2026 — Proposals Evaluated
December 9/10, 2026 — Interviews, if necessary
January 12, 2027 — SAWS Board Consideration and Award
January 2027 — Non-Selection Notices mailed
January 2027 — Start Work
Non-Mandatory Pre-Submittal Meeting:
1:30 PM, Monday Nov. 9, 2026 — Virtual pre-submittal conference (virtual meeting via WebEx; meeting access details provided in the RFP). Audio connection: (210) 233-2090.
