Denver Water will raise rates in 2024 to help pay for projects including the expansion of a reservoir, the replacement of lead pipes and other projects.

The new rates, effective Jan. 1, will increase costs for most single-family homes between $1.60 and $2.30 a month, according to a news release Wednesday announcing the changes. The rate increase will help fund $1.9 billion in projects including the expansion of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County, a new water treatment plant near Golden, and ongoing maintenance and repair.

The Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved the rate changes Wednesday. The utility provides water to 1.5 million people across the metro area — about a quarter of the state’s population.

The rate increase and the projects it will help fund will help prepare the system for climate change, population growth and economic problems, Denver Water CEO Alan Salazar said in a news release.

“Water is a crucial resource that supports all of us,” Salazar said. “You can’t have civilization without it. Continuing to maintain and invest in the system that supports our water supply will ensure we — Denver Water as well as our customers — are ready for what lies ahead, while keeping rates as low as good service will allow.”

Denver Water does not receive tax dollars or make a profit and uses customer bills and fees to run the water system, according to the utility.

How much customers’ bills will increase depends on their water use and where they live. Denver Water provides services to suburbs including Lakewood, Glendale and Greenwood Village.

All customers will see a 50-cent increase on their fixed monthly fee. Changes to per-gallon rates depend on where customers live. Denver residents should expect to pay an extra $27 a year if the amount of water used stays the same. People who live in suburbs that use Denver Water will see their annual costs go up by approximately $20.

Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.