Map shows states where people could see water bills rise

Created map Weekly newspaper Two new states where residents could be affected by rising water bills have been revealed.

Recently, various municipalities in several states have considered increasing water bills for a variety of reasons, ranging from new nanofiltration systems to reduce levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, to due to reservoir Reduced water storage and damaged dams. Now, officials in New Mexico and Pennsylvania are considering increasing water and sewer bills for their own reasons, and customers could see increases as soon as July.

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Water Department proposed increasing its customers’ monthly water bills by about $5 to pay for an expanded tiered assistance program designed to help low-income residents, PBS WHYY reported. Enrollment in the program continues to increase, which increases costs for other clients who don’t need help.

“Number of applicants [the Tiered Assistance Program] Water board spokesman Brian Rademaekers reported that the goal was ultimately achieved.

Weekly newspaper The Philadelphia Water Department was contacted via email for comment.

According to PBS WHYY, approximately 21,000 Philadelphia residents use the program each month. Under the scheme, their water bills are capped at 2% to 4% of the household’s monthly income.

If the increase is approved, it could take effect this fall.

In Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Board will vote to increase water and sewer rates by 12 percent at its May 8 meeting. Officials cited rising costs of fuel, electricity and chemicals as the reason for the price surge.

“Operating costs have increased significantly,” board chairman Eric Olivas said in a statement. “…In some cases, construction costs were 70 percent higher than expected.”

Weekly newspaper The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Department was contacted via email for comment.

For the average family, their monthly bill could increase by about $6, albuquerque magazine the report said. If the rates are approved, they will take effect in July.

The two proposals come after California and Florida approved or proposed similar price increases. Last week, the San Diego Water District Commission approved a tax increase that will take effect over the next three years, just a week after the Southern California Metropolitan Water District (MWD) passed a budget that solidified its water rates and Property tax increases.

In Broward County, Florida, some residents could see their water bills triple if county commissioners approve the construction of two new water treatment plants. The average monthly water bill for residents using Broward County water service is $30 per 5,000 gallons of water. If a new treatment plant is approved, the cost of the same amount of water could jump to $60 to $90 per month.