What are water allocations?
Water allocations are applied to all commercial, irrigation and multi-family (serving two or more dwelling units) water accounts have an allocation. Single-family residential homes do not have allocations.
Water allocations are the expected annual water needs of each water account. This amount factors into Aurora Water’s annual and long-term planning to ensure Aurora’s water supplies and infrastructure can sustainably satisfy the city’s collective needs. Allocations are determined either by property specifics provided during development planning or the account’s historical usage (see below for more details).
Each account is charged the base tier 1 water rate until the annual allocation is reached. Usage above the allocation exceeds the expected annual amount for that account and is subsequently charged a higher tier 2 or tier 3 rate for the remainder of the year, depending on when the allocation is exceeded. The additional costs help support the additional water resources and infrastructure needed for higher-than-expected use.
Allocations help ensure that water accounts using more than their expected portion of our shared water supplies are charged more for excessive use.
How are allocations determined?
Built in 2017 or later
All new water accounts are charged a water service connection fee determined by the cost of water resources and water-related infrastructure needed to supply the new connection’s peak demand. Multi-family, commercial and irrigation properties are then assigned an annual water allocation. This allocation represents the maximum amount of water the account should use annually, based on the equitable share of water resources and water infrastructure paid for by the connection fee.
Since 2017, Aurora Water has used industry-standard calculations to determine the expected annual water use for new connections. These calculations form the basis for fixed water allocations. Accounts created before 2017, however, do not have fixed allocations based on these calculations. Instead, their allocations have been reset annually, based on the average usage of the previous two years.
Built before 2017
Prior to 2025, most accounts’ allocations were set to the average of the previous two years of usage. For example, the 2023 water allocation was set to the average of the account’s 2021 and 2022 total usage. Though an industry standard, this method meant that allocations changed every year and allowed accounts to increase their water usage over time without incurring substantially higher costs.
Starting in 2025, all accounts that did not have an allocation determined by property specifics provided during development were set permanently to its average annual water usage between 2018-2022. This method sets allocations to each account’s current water needs over multiple recent years.
Where can I find my account’s allocation?
Each account’s allocation and the remaining amount left for the year is displayed on every month’s water bill. On the right-hand side of your bill, under the header “Usage Profile” (located just above the monthly water use graph), the amount shown under “Annual” shows the accounts allocation in KGAL (1,000 gal). The amount shown to the right of the allocation under “Remaining” shows how much water this account has left for the year before tier 2 or tier 3 rates begin.
You can see how much water you’ve been charged tier 2 or tier 3 rates under the “Current Charges” header on the left-hand side of your bill. The amount of water charged higher tier 2 or tier 3 rates will be shown on the line item “Over Allocated Usage”.
Why was 2018-2022 chosen as the range to set permanent allocations?
This timeframe was the most recent five-year range of usage available when allocations were reset. This broadly represents the actual needs of each account including several years of above average landscape water needs. 2023 was not included because a drought declaration and substantially higher than average rainfall combined to artificially decrease most accounts’ water needs for that year.
Can I have my allocation reviewed if my account’s water needs were substantially lower than normal between 2018-2022?
Some circumstances may warrant a review of your allocation to remove certain years between 2018-2022 from the annual average that determined your allocation. This is a limited option available to accounts with substantially lower or no usage during that timeframe due to: vacant businesses, forced COVID closures, incomplete development, major renovations, redevelopment or others. Aurora Water staff will review the circumstances and may ask for proof of the reason water usage was artificially low.
Why did my allocation change in 2025?
In 2025, your annual water allocation was permanently set based on the average water use recorded for your account during the five years from 2018 to 2022. This change eliminates the yearly resetting of allocations based on the previous two years' usage.
What can I do to ensure my water accounts do not incur higher tier 2 or tier 3 rates?
Water usage at many properties has slowly increased over time and may be substantially higher than the actual needs of the property. Aurora Water staff are always available to estimate what your actual water needs are and provide steps you can take to improve efficiency at your property. We also have a range of resources through our Water Conservation team to help overcome some of the challenges to improve both your indoor and outdoor efficiency such as: usage history reviews, online water use alerts, free on-site assessments, board presentations, classes and rebates.
What tools are available to help manage my water use?
Aurora Water provides many tools and resources to help you monitor and reduce water use:
Water bill tracking: Your monthly water bill includes updates on your annual water use and the remaining allocation before Tier 2 rates apply. You can also track your usage by logging into your account at myaccount.aurorawater.org/login. Do we want to add any additional information on the water customer portal?
EyeOnWater: Aurora Water uses advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which provides daily water use data through the EyeOnWater portal. This free tool allows you to monitor water use, set leak alerts, and better manage water consumption. Learn more at Auroragov.org/EyeOnWater or sign up at EyeOnWater.com/signup.
Water use assessments: Aurora Water offers free indoor and outdoor water assessments to help identify potential sources of high water use. Visit Auroragov.org/WaterAssessment for more details and DIY resources.
Rebates: Take advantage of rebate programs for water-saving devices like ultra-high-efficiency toilets, turf replacement and irrigation system upgrades. Learn more at Auroragov.org/Rebates.
Our goal is to help you save both water and money. If you have questions about your water allocation or would like more information about these tools and programs, please call us at 303.739.7388 or email
[email protected].