Letter: Transparency still missing in Global Water rate case

By Staff Reports
By Brad Follett
Jul 11, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

On May 16, 2025, I was afforded the opportunity to sit down with Christopher Krygier, COO and Jon Corwin, VP & General Manager for Global Water Resources (GWR) at their Maricopa office, to discuss Water & Wastewater rates for residential and commercial customers, and other matters.

After a less than cordial response to questions posed why the information was requested on rates, nothing of value was expressed or revealed by them of which to make an assessment for a proper conclusion to resolve the 19.7% water and 8% wastewater increase, just obfuscation. They even rejected free consulting services in this and other W &WW matters to prevent incidents.

The Arizona Corporation Commission

On December 11, 2025, the Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) held an open public meeting on the rate increase before Judge Nichols, ALJ. After copious number of oppositions filed online and those presented at the hearing, a continuance was ordered without a confirmed date.

This in part led us to where we are today. Vincent Manfredi, Maricopa Councilmember (then) interjected that Global Water needed to be more transparent and hoped that they would be. This view on water & wastewater and other matters has been expressed by residents previously and thereafter to both the city council and GWR falling upon deaf ears.

Where we stand now

GWR has been less than stellar or effective in being transparent on any matter, and does not communicate, cooperate or collaborate with its customers or residents. They have not held any public forums on rates and appear to be opaque and not transparent.

InMaricopa magazine posted an article April 29, 2026, that GWR had reached an agreement with the Residential Utility Consumer Office for a reduction in the water rates to 7.5%.

Pinal Central posted an article June 29, 2026, saying that GWR had agreed to reduce their water and wastewater rates with an increase of 1.5% overall, and that letters were sent out to customers.

InMaricopa magazine posted on June 30, 2026, that GWR was to reduce wastewater rate by $1.12 per month and the water rate would go up approximately $2.68 per month for a 1.5 % increase overall, stating:

“In conversations with our Maricopa customers, you have told us that transparency, predictability, and avoiding large rate increases are important. We hear you, and we are committed to keeping you informed about the rate review process and what may be ahead,” the letter read.

GWR is a private corporation and has not posted public or customer notices direct or informative notification status of the rate increase on their website as required to be transparent, proactive or predictable as they said they would be in December.

GWR posted hidden on their website ‘Global Water Rate Review- 2025 Rate Review Frequently Asked Questions-Capital Improvements dated June 2026’. Most customers would not be able to locate this and would not conform to ADA standards. It was only accessible from the Pinal Central column provided link. The above quote from InMaricopa was not mentioned. Ask again, what letter was sent to customers? I never received the letter by mail or email, did you?

What can you do?

This rate increase still demands attention for an outcome that reflects what is equal, fair and just to the customers, consumers and residents of the city of Maricopa, as well as to GWR. You may now have a part in the conclusion.

A hearing on the rate request and settlement agreement will take place with the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Utilities Division at 10 a.m. Aug. 3. If approved, the new rate will take effect in November.

Customers who want to provide comments on the rate increase have three options: