Across the nation, water rates are increasing. Over the last decade, monthly water and sewage bills have increased by approximately 50%.[1] The price hike is due to myriad reasons, including decreased government funding and increased expenses to maintain, repair and replace aging infrastructure.  Inflation, supply chain issues and population increases also contribute to the mounting costs. Demonstrating the point, Huntsville, Alabama’s city council will soon vote on a proposed 35% water schedule fee increase for all customers (residential, commercial, and industrial).

Due to the significant increase, the city council invited Huntsville Utilities customers to its August meeting seeking input regarding the proposed water rate plan. During the meeting, reasons for the increase were outlined by Wes Kelley, president and CEO of Huntsville Utilities, which focused on necessary improvements due to the age of the system, rising costs of materials and labor and increasing water demand due to population growth. The plan also emphasizes long-term planning instead of short-term solutions likely to be swiftly obsolete.

The last time Huntsville raised rates was in 2016, and although the city has some of the lowest rates in the state, the estimated monthly increase for the average household using 4,000 gallons (without sprinkler usage) will be $6.40, which will be a strain on many household budgets.[2]

The city council is scheduled to vote on the increase later this month, and if passed it will go into effect in October.

[1] Eaton, Joe. “The Surging Price of Water.” AARP, AARP, 25 July 2023, www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2023/why-your-water-bill-keeps-rising.html.

[2] Gattis, Paul. “Huntsville Utilities Proposes 35% Increase in Water Rates.” Al.Com, 15 Aug. 2023, www.al.com/news/2023/08/huntsville-utilities-proposes-significant-increase-in-water-rates.html.