This summer, Baltimore County homeowners should anticipate another increase in their water costs.
Beginning in July, residents of Baltimore County will pay a 4.9% rise in water utility rates, as approved by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates (BOE).
Similar rate hikes were implemented in 2021 and 2023.
“That 5% increase has been going on for about four years, which we’re seeing with their rates. That has narrowed that gap in what the city and county residents see in their bill significantly,” Matthew Garbark, the Interim Deputy Director at the Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW) stated.
The city of Baltimore manages the water and certain sewer facilities that are shared by Baltimore County and Baltimore City.
“This has been in place for almost a century now, and that is actually state law,” Garbark stated.
Water rates in Baltimore City have gone up
Earlier this year, Baltimore City authorized hikes to its own stormwater, sewage, and water costs. The city’s spending board authorized DPW’s plan to raise water and sewer rates over a multi-year period in January.
Before voting 4-0 to increase water and sewer fees for the following three years, the BOE gave the public a chance to voice their opinions.
‘”We are roughly looking at a $12 monthly increase right now – roughly $130 to $142 dollars for both water and wastewater for a family of four in the city of Baltimore,” DPW Director Khalil Zaied stated.
Beginning February 1, residents of Baltimore will pay a 15% hike in sewage rates and a 3% increase in their monthly water bill. According to DPW, the hikes in water and sewer rates would reach 9% in FY26 and FY27.
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According to DPW, the city’s water and wastewater system is getting older, therefore updating projects and infrastructure is essential to preserving its financial stability.
According to officials, in order to address some urgent infrastructure issues, the department will begin a six-year, $1.9 billion renovation initiative.
Modernizing operations, cutting down on sewer overflows, and rebuilding water mains will be the main goals of the strategy.
