Burbank residents face significant water rate increases as the city grapples with its complete dependence on imported water and rising costs from external suppliers. Burbank Water and Power recently proposed water rate increases of 14% beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and an additional 14% beginning Jan. 1, 2027. … The utility expects to pay up to 21% more for imported water in 2026 compared to 2024. Burbank relies on groundwater storage since it lacks direct access to natural water sources. However, BWP must first purchase and spread imported water before extracting it from the groundwater basin. To maximize its limited supply, the utility produces approximately 4 million gallons of recycled water daily for non-potable purposes, such as irrigating school fields and parks and operating the Magnolia Power Plant.

Other water rate news:

• Voice of San Diego: Opinion: The truth about the cost of water: Dismantling the water authority would harm all San Diegans
• KBAK (Bakersfield, Calif.): Bakersfield residents west of Hwy. 99 to be notified of proposed water rate hike