PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Rising costs have the Philadelphia Water Department asking for approval to increase customer rates over the next two years.
The cost of labor, materials, equipment, laboratory services and regulatory obligations have PWD officials asking the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board to approve a customer rate hike.
PWD said if permitted to increase rates, the average monthly bill starting in September will be $91.31, an increase of just over 11%. The proposed increase for 2026 would be almost 6%, bringing the average monthly bill to $96.68.
Brian Rademaekers, a spokesperson for the department, said the company is in the same place as other water utilities across the country, and the only way to make up the difference is to adjust the rates.
“In Philadelphia being a nonprofit, we don't ask for money for profit; we ask for rates in order to sustain our operations and make opportunities to invest in our infrastructure,” he said.
PWD said the hike would help cover essential services and ensure the stability of the utility.
The city is planning to enhance access to its assistance programs, including the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) and the Senior Citizen Discount.
Opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed changes in water bill rates will be announced in early April. The Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board is expected to have an answer in June.