Editors Note: Charolyn Concepcion has reviewed hundreds of pages of data provided by the City of Hillsboro water department. Her analytical mind and math skill set at the “next level” were undoubtedly needed to even wade through the numbers. In our opinion, she has revealed inequity and inconsistency in the rate increases in the past and those being voted on for the future. There is NO DOUBT that without her, the people of Hillsboro would not have a voice at the table on these rate increases. If the information below becomes too difficult to sort through, know that Residential Rates are Going UP UP UP! ) Industry, Primarily Intel (Big Industry) is using 48% of all of our water, and they are not paying their fair share of the increase ares. The Willamette Water Pipe Project is costing the people of Hillsboro Hundreds of Millions of dollars. It was not needed for our people- it is and was driven by big industry, and the city leaders and state forces want us to pay to be ready for a bigger industry. GET INVOLVED NOW – SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO
These are the facts- we owe Charolyn a massive Thank You! Read On!
Hillsboro Water Department Releases Water Rate Study Today:
Proposed Water Rate Increases –Are LESS than recommended for Industry AND MORE FOR RESIDENTIAL
Hillsboro Oregon Water Rates – Hillsboro Herald PhotoWritten by Charolyn Concepcion
With 8 days left to submit public comment on Hillsboro Water’s Proposed Rate Increases for 2025 and 2026, the 2024 Water Rate Study has been posted today (Sept 11—Public Comment closes September 19).
It is on their “Water Rate Information” Hillsboro-Oregon webpage. 31129 (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
This information was first released the previous Friday for the Utilities (Water) Commission’s (UC) regular monthly meeting Agenda (Sept 10th meeting), a month after Hillsboro Water Department (HWD) first presented the 2025 & 2026 Proposed Water Rate Increases for the Public Hearing. That study should have been available for the August meeting, but it was not.
The Water Rate Study is a detailed analysis done every 5-6 years by an outside engineering firm. Each customer category: Residential, Multi-Family, Commercial, and Industry various costs are looked at. Cost aspects such as: meter base/average daily costs (64% of total) and Extra-Capacity on increased summer water usage / Volume of Increased Summer water usage (29% of total), and small amounts based on customer and fire costs. Together, this gives the various percentages on which each water rate increase is based. Well, “somewhat” based on–keep reading!
Here is the 2024 Study’s Summary Results Table.
You will NOT see this posted on their webpage!
See the previous article and observations in Hillsboro Herald’s first 2025-2026 water rate increase article: Hillsboro Water Rates Go Up Again With No End In Sight While Industry Uses Nearly 50% Daily – The Hillsboro Herald). I will perhaps be the only Hillsboro resident to review this -as well as the 188 pages of technical charts that go along with it.
The following are my observations from this: based upon my ongoing water rate studies over the past two years and my regular attendance at UC meetings (lots of information is given).
First Column on Table above: Cost of Service is the % increase needed that the Rate Study Found for each customer category. Negative numbers indicate an overpayment.
Note: rates will never decrease. In the 2018 water study, the last study completed, Residential was found to be Overpaying by 3.4%. Even though a reduction was warranted, they received a 5% increase.
In this recent study, Commercial and Non-Profit organizations were shown to be overpaying, which is why they get the lowest 3.3% increases.
Next are the Hillsboro Water Department (HWD)’s proposed yearly percentage increases. The Current Public Water Rate Hearing is only for the years 2025 and 2026. The other years shown are projections only.
Easy to see on this HWD’s lovely table, with added arrows:
- Industry’s proposed rate increases are clearly LESS than the Rate Study findings.
- Single-Family Residential’s are MORE than the Study’s findings.
At the September UC meeting, the water study engineering consultant stated that the differing “Water Rate % adjustments are primarily for the 1 to 2 years after each study when rates are reset.” The often-asserted goal, repeated by Water Staff Financial Expert Lee Lindsey for this meeting, is that “each category’s rate adjustments are no more and no less to avoid potential subsidies across customer categories.“ This is supposed to make it so that no one pays more or less than their fair share.
My public testimony for that meeting highlighted these Residential and Industry Proposed Rate differences from study results and stated that these details tell another story.
Also, Lee Lindsey gave some reasons for the proposed rates being different from the Study’s (Cost of Service) findings. He covered this list down to Commercial and then Stopped Short of commenting on the Industry. Why did he stop there? We do not know.
In addition to Commercial’s overpaying status, the lowest percent increase given, Multi-Family, was explained. He said their percentage “was kept lower” as with the “conservation rate approach” in 2025 and 2026, they “think peak rates will give the overall 8.5%” the study calls for.
Their website provides information on Residential and Multi-Family Conservation Rate Increases, which they also presented to a community group, CAP, for their recommendations.
Industries costs of service findings in the 2018 study were not calculated. Why? In this recent study, “Large Industry” (Intel) was created to help address the disparity in water consumption between current Industrial customers. The costs or services were given, and our Utility Commission is showing that they will not have them pay their fair share.
All of Industry uses 48% of Hillsboro’s total water. Large Industry/Intel used 78% of that, which equals 37% of Hillsboro’s total Water. See the chart below.
The 2018 study recommended that the industry receive the system average, which was 10.5%, but they didn’t even receive that, so they were given 8.5%. The same discount will be given in this upcoming vote. Again, why?
From HWD’s 2024 Information:
YOU NEED TO TESTIFY AND PROVIDE INFORMATION- TAKE THE SURVEY
Quickly send in your comments regarding this Water Rate Increase Proposal Here: (scroll down to the bottom—past their water rate information)—Last Day September 19:
Proposed Water Rates for 2025 & 2026 | Engage Hillsboro (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Next is the Public Hearing: on September 24, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Civic Center—OR Zoom Link here also.
Either way, you can give 3 minutes of verbal comments. Spanish Translation available. Call and arrange ahead of time for other language services:
Water Rates Public Hearing | Event Calendar | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
October 8 – Regular Utilities Commission Meeting 1:30 pm Civic Center—Public Comment will be reviewed, and Commissioners will vote on the Rate Proposals.
Beautifully done Dirk–you have a gift for sure!
FYI–(you don’t need to post this, if you could make these 2 corrections):
1. On top In Red: “Intel is using 48% of our water”
correction: Big Industry uses 37%–all of Industry 48%–
Could reword: (omit big) Industry, Primarily Intel (Big Industry)…
would capture the main point of the article–as Industry and big Industry are getting lower increases
2. (64% of total) need to insert–got omitted after: Cost aspects…meter/base/average daily costs
thank-you! charolyn
fixed it! Thanks
Great study , ty for looking out for the families in this area as corporate America sticks it to the little guys again. We need a similar study in Beaverton as well. My water usage can be $15.00 but my total bill is common to be close to $100.00. The average person has no idea what all these other random charges are . Help us too !
Boy I will tell you – this is something even the City Council and the Utility Commissioners can not seem to grasp or understand- its like the water staff does not want the truth out there and are tryng to hard to give Industry a break! I wish we could help you guys – I really do.
I am retired living in the home I own the water has gone up and up over 40 percent already. My washer and dishwasher are water savers and it is only one in the house .The water bill is already my biggest bill. Another raise in price is crazy!!
Be sure to send in your comment–and the impact it has on you!
And come to the hearing if you can (speaking too is even better, but important to have a full house!!).
Per Hillsboro’s own rate increase table showing years 2011–2022 (this was posted for the 2022 water rate hearing–there was much more information given that year, as well as answers to frequently asked questions–this year there is little and “select” information provided only):
Keep in mind–this is only overall % increases for the LOWEST tier of residential water users.
Higher tiers of use, Multi-family, Commerical, Non-profit, Irrigation and Public Entities (schools) had much higher increases (note I did NOT include Industry!).
2011-2022 105% increase,
After the 2018 Study: 2019-2024 increases = 54%.
Add proposed increase for 2025 (since 2018)= 62%
I am retired and on a fixed income. I’ve watched my utilities bill go up and up. I began a very strict water use plan by not watering yard (yes it’s dead), by not bathing or washing hair but every three days, by not using dishwasher and by not doing laundry but about every two weeks,!yet I received a bill for $159! I called and asked for a breakdown for last three months. My lowest consumption was $3 and highest was $7. I can’t do this. Seriously.
All parts of the Utility Bill go up yearly, compounding this excessive increasing of costs for these basic services.
The other parts are approved by Hillsboro City Council (first I should check are you in Hillsboro–and also on Hillsboro water, some areas are TV water, they are billed every 2 months–and the price of this bill sounds like it should be bimonthly. Also did you ask them to come and do a check for leaks? Both do this for free. Sounds like your bill went up significantly unexpectedly.). I find it interesting that only water rate increases require a public hearing. The other parts (sewer and surface water management) are quietly approved. Of note on Hillsboro’s Utility: Transportation fee (which granted is the lowest) and the two Local Service Fees (for Sewer and Surface Water management)–all city of Hillsboro Fees–Did NOT exist until relatively recently. Another way to increase costs, sneakily if you ask me!!!
This is ridiculous! The water facility folks over spent on everything they run. They are out of control..
Yes, They are either out-of-control or someone behind the scenes is benefitting, and residents are paying. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Oregon has more water than Arizona, and cost are twice as high. Oregon has the highest water rates in the nation. Everyone who is being negatively impacted by these rates should attend the upcoming meeting stated in the aritcle.
Thank you again Dirk, for your time and investment into the water rate increase problems with Hillsboro and big (Intel) industry users!
You are most welcome!!
Thanks Dirk and Carolyn for keeping the pubic informed.
You are welcome–spread the word!: 2 days left to send in public comment–and then the meeting on the 24th. If anything is to come of this–it will require many voices!!! We must join together.
Thank you again Dirk. I have sent my thoughts about these rate hikes and plan to attend the meetings in person.
And even if you are someone who is not negatively impacted by the continued increases in water rates, you should care about your less fortunate neighbors, friends, family and the climate issue of increased fires. If people cannot keep the grass around their homes relatively green, the threat of fire increases. Think people. Think!
Agree!
Grass! Rate increase or not, we need to all think about why we have lawns. Is it for an area where one actually runs, plays, etc.? If it’s just a parking strip or other unused space, buy some native plants or succulents and quit giving money to the water companies.
I am in the process of changing over my plants to drought tolerant plants. I never watered my lawn in the summer–it does come back. Now, agree, even more people do need to consider this. I did a whole article on water conservation for my multi-family community’s last newsletter–this was one of my points. Also as our dues keep needing to go up to pay for water usage. Here is another thought to consider along these lines–our parks, and school grounds–grass is used in these areas–both paid for with our taxes–both of these water categories (Public Entity for sure and possibly Irrigation) have had very high double digit increases the past 6 years. I do see some new construction is using artificial turf–like 53rd St. Park’s soccer fields–we need more of this.
3 Qs:
1) You are viewing this strictly from revenue out/in, there is no assessment of strength of waste etc. Intel recycles millions of gallons of treated water daily back to CoH. Residential users do not. Do you think it is possible that this contribution is considered in the rate, meaning it is not necessarily a zero sum of water usage out vs revenue in?
2) You do not discuss the impacts of population growth on rate adjustment….the engineering study predicted a rate but is that at current population? Is it possible they accounted for this in rate?
3) The other article by C Concepcion that you linked to clearly shows residential users using more than they pay for as well, but that doesn’t seem to be the sentiment in your article. Is there a reason you chose to omit this fact in this article?
Are you still working for Intel? Intel uses more water than anyone else- by a mile. They pay much less per gallon. They are driving our need for more water. Population growth through new homes was not a driver in our opinion for the big pipe and those permits pay much higher SDCS when the homes are built then others do which is designed for systems development. The fact is that Intel and big industry ae not paying their fair share. Until they do, there will be no equity nor fairness. The fact is the jobs are disappearing, the hundreds of millions in tax incentives and giveways continue, and the impact to the enviroment are great. Water is nothing to Intel. They could easily pay their fair share. They just don’t want to. Morgan Stanley and the financiers running the company now have to squeeze that bottom line- the people of Hillsboro be damned.
DT, I have studied this THOUROUGHLY from every angle for the past 2 years–as stated hundreds of pages of information the water dept puts out–asked many questions–got more info…I do analysis also from the data they give.
Question 1) No this is not being viewed strictly from a revenue standpoint. I have LOTS of detailed points–but would loose people in it all!!! I know, I loose the commissioners on a regular basis! Their recycling program–which is why 2018 study did not compute what their % increase should be–they were waiting to see what happened: I got data on that–did decrease usage a bit the first year–then returned to same baseline usage (I am assuming as they grew)–nice they are saving some water however–BUT the main point is actually easy: This Study–which takes every part of water usage into consideration–did you see that in the article–found a certain % of increase they should get–they are getting LESS instead! Residential is getting MORE (as is Commercial). Multi-family looks like they may be getting less, but at the last water meeting it was explained, their summer rate % increase is much higher (they have chosen not to use that % on their table, but % given to base rate–there are 3 different rates, base, winter and summer usage) so it will average out to the recommended one. Also of NOTE HERE: In the last study (2018)–while Industry’s exact percent increase was not determined (other categories, except overpaying residential–got more like a 14-20% raise–so Industry well could have required that)–the study said they should receive at least the average which was 10.5%–Hillsboro Water gave them 8.5%. Do you really think there is not some preference being given to Industry???
I have never heard–nor seen in Hillsboro’s detailed charts–that they get this recycled water back into their system–really that would be very concerning for drinking water. I am thinking it likely is being reused by Intel–where do you get this info. And I will ask at the next meeting. I would think this would be a good point of justification for lower rates–and that kind of info is always given! When there is not justification you get silence on the topic. Again if you read the article: reasonings were given for categories, going down the list–my pen was poised to note what they said about Industry–but they said NOTHING–stopped at that point. Still sounding like there is no preference/monetary breaks being given to Industry???
2) Not sure why this article would need to discuss this–but yes, I can assure you–this is considered in the rate process. Growth is the MAIN reason for these extreme year after year rate increases, which Hillsboro Water definitely considers –future water needs–both population, and the relentless agenda by our city for this RAPID Industrial growth (which in turn increases population). The statement given both on Hillsboro’s Industry “Choose Hillsboro” webpage, Water section and Water’s is–I will quote part of it–see the rest here:
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/economic-development/choose-hillsboro/infrastructure-utilities
“Hillsboro has plenty of water to meet current needs, and the City is in the process of taking additional steps to ensure water availability will not be a problem in the future…. Quantity, quality, and reliability are of critical importance, particularly to industrial users who rely on water for critical manufacturing or operational processes. ”
Can’t blame water for the increase in needed infrastructure–they have to respond to Hillsboro’s planning process.
3) Totally inaccurate–what are you seeing?
Here is the statement: “Single Family Residential …Using 23.7%–paying 31.4%.” But I did look at the graph closely–there is an error there–the using column is not 23.7%.
And to repeat the summary–2 Water Studies in a row: 2018 and now same for 2024:
Residential’s % increases–MORE than what the study showed they needed
Industry’s % Increases—LESS than what the study showed they needed.
Was curious if you knew that in Silverton Oregon the top six people at the water dept there combined make 30 million dollars a freaking year. And they ask first a rate increase. Please look into this
That, I need to look into. And I will. What is your source?
How about being fair to homeowners and making Big Business (Intel) pay for their larger use of water accordingly? What a novel concept…
Merritt- now that is what I am saying. You want to come here and use up most of our water? You pay a premium… period!
Are you on Hillsboro Water–if so (or even if not, could advocate for us!)–send this comment IN! ASAP–only a few days left–and would be great if you came to the Water Rate Hearing meeting on the 24th!
We are really feeling g the high water bills even when we try to conserve it seems we are paying way to much, this report is baffling and it shows that we should be given a break and the industrial should pay more, with homelessness on the rise and crime because of it why wouldn’t it make sense to help family’s keep their home and sustain as a household keeping the families in tact. This would be such an easy way to make a difference. The money isn’t worth it city of Hillsboro it will cost you more in the end.
Be sure to send in your comments about how this is personally affecting you to Hillsboro water! And ask that Industry be given their full % increase–then Residential could be decreased to the % the Study found they needed.
A question needs to be ask. Why is Intel using so much water. The answer is. The solution to pollution is dellution. Intel is using the water to dilute the chemicals they use in there processes. This is mostly heavy metals. This effluent is then sent to the Hillsboro trement plant to process. So now rate payers are footing the bill to increase the trement plant. heavy metals don’t go away they have acummltive affect at the out flow pipe and into our water ways
That is a whole other area of fallout, I haven’t thought of before–the depth of the issue keeps expanding!!!