In Philadelphia, homeowners can expect an increase in their monthly water bills starting September 1, following a unanimous vote by the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
The rate adjustments were approved for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and will raise the average monthly water, sewer, and stormwater bill from $81.77 to $89.42 in 2026, and further to $94.31 in 2027, indicating a more than 15% increase over the two years.
These figures are based on typical residential customers using 430 cubic feet of water per month.
Originally, the Philadelphia Water Department proposed an 18% increase in rates over two years, but board members reduced this after listening to feedback from stakeholders, which included public advocates and community members.
Critics have raised concerns that the ongoing price hikes may be disproportionately burdensome for homeowners, particularly affecting lower-income residents already struggling with various living costs.
The Philadelphia Water Department stated that this increase is crucial for maintaining operations and funding necessary infrastructure projects.
Community Legal Services attorney Robert Ballenger, who serves as a public advocate for residents, expressed satisfaction with the board’s decision, emphasizing the need for a balance in setting rates that considers all involved parties.
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Water Department confirmed that the rates will officially be implemented within ten days of the vote and residents will receive notification by mail.
The push for increased rates is attributed to several factors, including rising labor and equipment costs, capital projects, federal mandates for drinking water safety, and the need to expand assistance programs for water bills.
According to department officials, these adjustments are essential to replenish financial reserves depleted by the impacts of COVID-19 and other rising operational costs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that water providers take action to eliminate toxic PFAS chemicals from drinking water systems and replace lead pipes within the next decade, adding to the financial responsibilities of the Philadelphia Water Department.
Furthermore, ongoing upgrades to wastewater treatment plants are necessary to manage sewer overflows and reduce harmful ammonia emissions in waterways.
These rate increases follow a trend; Philadelphia has raised water and sewer rates each year since 2021, with a significant increase of over 12% occurring last year alone.
Nationally, water prices have surged at nearly double the rate of overall inflation, placing affordability in question for many American households.
Reports indicate that between 12.1 million and 19.2 million households across the U.S. are unable to afford access to necessary water services.
In Philadelphia specifically, over 20% of the city’s 1.57 million residents live in poverty, raising alarms about the implications of rising water rates.
Local residents have expressed their frustration regarding the impending hikes.
North Philadelphia resident Francis Corcoran shared his discontent, linking the rate increase to broader inflationary pressures affecting everyday expenses, such as public transit and parking costs.
“Everything just keeps going up,” he lamented, stating that he continues to cope with rising bills but believes such developments are unjust.
Conversely, Center City resident Matt Bartlett believes that price increases are part of a necessary evolution for maintaining aging infrastructure.
He pointed out that his ownership of a rain barrel allows him to mitigate his water bill expenses, showcasing how individual choices can impact utility costs.
In response to rising concerns about affordability, the city is enhancing the reach of its Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) and Senior Citizen Discount Program designed to help residents manage their water bills.
However, the expansion of these assistance programs necessitates increased rates for customers who do not qualify, prompting discussions about the overall cost balance among all users of the water systems.
The revised TAP-R rate will also rise from $3.08 to $3.59 per thousand cubic feet for sewer rates.
The TAP program has seen enrollment swell to an estimated 60,000 households, highlighting the growing need for affordable water solutions.
Ballenger emphasized that participants in the TAP program would struggle to catch up on accumulated debt without such assistance, further reinforcing the argument for affordable water access and housing stability.
The board reassesses the TAP-R rate annually, meaning that the overall water bill structure for fiscal year 2027 could see additional adjustments.
Moreover, the maximum income threshold to qualify for the Senior Citizen Discount Program has increased from $38,800 to $42,100, granting eligible participants a 25% discount on their bills.
Residents interested in the TAP and Senior Discount programs may apply via the water department’s website or through customer service, with options for paper applications available.
Public advocates like Ballenger continue to urge city officials to seek alternative funding sources for capital projects rather than relying heavily on customer rates.
Currently, the Philadelphia Water Department accesses loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST) to support necessary upgrades, with a call for more federal support based on the provisions of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Ballenger believes that enhanced funding could significantly alleviate the monetary burden on residents while improving critical infrastructure.
He voiced concerns about potential obstacles in accessing federal funds, especially given the cancellation of key funding programs by the Trump administration designed to support significant water infrastructure investments.
Looking ahead, city officials plan to reconvene in early 2026 to discuss potential redesigns of the rate structures impacting homeowners and small businesses, with emphasis placed on ensuring commercial water users share an equitable portion of costs.
There is a push for further public advocacy and stakeholder input to ensure fair rates moving forward and proper financial support for essential water system improvements.
image source from：chestnuthilllocal
