According to a recent report from the Tri-City Herald, the City of Pasco, Washington, will implement an increase in irrigation rates starting in April 2025. The new rate structure includes an approximate 18% increase in residential irrigation bills for the 2025 season, with continued increases projected through 2030.
The city council also approved a one-time connection fee of up to $1,000 for new users joining the city’s irrigation system. Revenue from both the rate hikes and connection fees will be used to fund approximately $14 million in infrastructure repairs and system expansions.
Pasco’s irrigation system, originally purchased from a farmer in 2002, is nearing the end of its useful life. Planned improvements include replacing aging pipes, expanding irrigation mains, building a new pump station to increase Columbia River intake, and upgrading or drilling new wells to meet growing demand.
The Herald reports that the system currently serves about 9,500 customers — primarily in West Pasco — and operates seasonally from April through October. Much of East Pasco is not served by the city’s irrigation network and instead relies on potable water or other irrigation districts.
The Pasco City Council approved the changes in a 6-1 vote.
