Kyle Water Rate Increases: Is Six Creeks the Only Neighborhood Impacted?

If you’ve been house hunting in Kyle, Texas, you’ve probably heard buyers say things like “avoid Six Creeks because of the water bills.” While Six Creeks has become the most talked-about neighborhood tied to recent Kyle water rate increases, it’s important to understand what’s really driving the higher costs — and why this issue isn’t limited to just one subdivision.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Changed With Kyle Water Rates?

The City of Kyle implemented new water and wastewater rates effective October 1, 2025, following a cost-of-service study. The new rate structure separates customers into two main categories:

• Inside Kyle city limits

• Outside Kyle city limits (ETJ – Extraterritorial Jurisdiction)

The largest rate increases apply to homes in the ETJ — areas outside the official city boundaries that are still served by the City of Kyle Water Utilities.

For official water rate information, you can check:

• City of Kyle Water & Wastewater Rates

• About Kyle Water & Service Areas

Why Six Creeks Is So Often Mentioned

Six Creeks is located outside Kyle city limits, but it is served by the City of Kyle water system. Because of that, it falls under the ETJ (outside-city) rate structure, which saw the largest jump in 2025.

For many ETJ customers:

• Water rates increased significantly

• Wastewater rates also rose

• Total monthly bills can be 50%+ higher than previous years

Is Six Creeks the Only Neighborhood Seeing This?

No.

The water rate increase isn’t triggered by a neighborhood name — it’s triggered by:

1. Being outside Kyle city limits (in the ETJ)

2. Being served by the City of Kyle Water Utilities

Any property that meets both criteria may be subject to the higher outside-city rates.

Other Areas That May Be in Kyle’s ETJ

There are multiple communities and areas around Kyle that sit partially or fully outside city limits, depending on the exact address. These include portions of:

• Shadow Creek

• Crosswinds

• Cool Springs

Important: Not every home in these neighborhoods is affected. Some may be:

• Inside city limits

• Served by a different utility provider (like a SUD or private provider)

That’s why it’s critical to verify each specific address rather than assuming based on the subdivision name alone.

How to Check If a Home Is in City Limits (or ETJ)

Many buyers assume a Kyle mailing address means a home is inside city limits — but that’s not always true. A property can have a Kyle mailing address but still be outside city limits and subject to different utility rates.

Step 1 — Go to the City of Kyle GIS Map Portal

Visit the official City of Kyle GIS portal:

Kyle Interactive GIS Map Portal

Step 2 — Turn on the Jurisdiction Layer

Click the “Data” dropdown (usually on the left side of the map).

• Select “Jurisdiction” from the list.

• This will display city limits vs. ETJ boundaries on the map.

Tip: You may also see subdivision boundaries, zoning, and water service layers if available.

Step 3 — Enter the Address

• Use the Address Lookup search bar to type in the home’s street address.

• The map will zoom to the location of the property, showing whether it’s inside city limits or in the ETJ.

Step 4 — Confirm the Status

• Verify whether the property is inside city limits or in the ETJ.

• Keep in mind: Some properties inside city limits may still be served by a different water provider (like a SUD), so double-check the water service.

Step 5 — Call the City if You’re Unsure

If the map is unclear, contact the City of Kyle Planning Department:

Planning Department: (512) 262‑3959

This ensures buyers know exactly where a property sits and who provides water service, instead of relying on neighborhood names or mailing addresses.

What Buyers Should Be Asking Instead

Instead of avoiding neighborhoods based on hearsay, ask these three key questions before making a decision:

1. Is this home inside Kyle city limits or in the ETJ?

2. Who provides the water service? (City of Kyle vs. another provider)

3. What have the actual monthly water bills been for this home?

These answers matter far more than just the subdivision name.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers:

• Higher water bills don’t automatically make a home a bad purchase

• Utility costs should be considered alongside property taxes, HOA dues, and lot size

• Some ETJ homes offer benefits that offset costs, such as lower taxes or larger lots

For Sellers:

• Transparency matters

• Being prepared to explain utility costs builds trust and avoids surprises during negotiations

Final Takeaway

Six Creeks didn’t become “expensive” overnight — it became highly visible because of its location outside Kyle city limits while being served by city water. The same situation can apply to other ETJ properties, depending on location and utility provider.

The real issue isn’t which neighborhood — it’s where the property is located and how it’s serviced.

If you’re buying or selling in Kyle, Texas, and want help understanding true monthly costs — including utilities, taxes, and HOA dues — I’m here to help you make smart, informed decisions.