Recently the City of Bend received a AA+ rating from the S&P Global, a top credit rating agency. The rating can translate into lower long-term water costs for community members and continued reliable water services.
“This rating is essentially our credit score,” said Dana Chenoweth, Water Services Business Manager. “This tells lenders we are a low‑risk borrower, which allows us to borrow at lower interest rates. For our ratepayers, that translates into lower, long‑term costs.”
Maintaining this rating requires continued discipline in how the City delivers capital plans and manages finances. The rating reflects confidence in Bend’s management approach and ability to keep rates affordable even as the City continues investing in infrastructure.
“The City is taking measures to conserve water and drive down water demand for its customers, through public education and a tiered rate structure. It is aware of the limitations of its future water rights, particularly those pertaining to a surface water source that is shared among the City, other private utilities serving the area, and surrounding municipalities,” according to a S&P Global news release: Bend, OR Series 2026 Revenue Refunding Bonds Assigned “AA+” Rating | S&P Global Ratings.
S&P highlighted Bend’s balanced water supply and conservation management approach as key strengths, and noted continued improvement in financial performance, supported by strong internal expertise and effective use of external consultants.
“Earning this AA+ rating from S&P is a direct reflection of the hard work and diligence by all of those involved in the operations of the City water system,” said Bend’s Chief Financial Officer, Samantha Nelson. “From water system leadership to finance staff to water system operators — the staff make sure the clean water reliably flows every day.”
The City’s water comes from the Bend Municipal Watershed and the Deschutes Regional Aquifer. For more information on Bend’s water system visit: bendoregon.gov/water.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities & Language Assistance Services:
You can obtain this information in alternate formats such as Braille, electronic format, etc. Free language assistance services are also available. Please email accessibility@bendoregon.gov or call 541-693-2198. Relay Users Dial 7-1-1. All requests are subject to vendor processing times and should be submitted 48-72 hours in advance of events.
Servicios de asistencia lingüística e información sobre alojamiento para personas con discapacidad:
Puede obtener esta información en formatos alternativos como Braille, formato electrónico, etc. También disponemos de servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Póngase en contacto en correo electrónico accessibility@bendoregon.gov o número de teléfono 541-693-2198. Los usuarios del servicio de retransmisión deben marcar el 7-1-1. Por favor, envíe sus solicitudes con 48-72 horas de antelación al evento; todas las solicitudes están sujetas a los tiempos de procesamiento del proveedor.
