Legislation aiming to increase county water and sewer rates by 4.2% each year for the next five years was introduced to the Harford County Council Tuesday with public hearings planned for April.

The 4.2% annual increase is .3% lower than the current water and sewer fee schedule, which was passed in 2021 increased rates by 4.5% each year.

The average resident on county water and sewer uses about 4,000 gallons per month, according to county officials. Under existing rates, that usage costs about $81.21 per month for water and sewer combined.

If passed, residents who use about 4,000 gallons per month will see the following incremental water and sewer bill increases:

  • On July 1, average water and sewer bills will increase by about $3.41 for a total of about $84.62 per month — $38.12 for water and $46.50 for sewer.
  • On July 1, 2026, average water and sewer bills will increase by about $3.55 for a total of about $88.17 per month — $39.66 for water and $48.51 for sewer.
  • On July 1, 2027, average water and sewer bills will increase by about $3.70 for a total of about $91.87 per month — $41.34 for water and $50.53 for sewer.
  • On July 1, 2028, average water and sewer bills will increase by about $3.83 for a total of about $95.70 per month — $43.07 for water and $52.63 for sewer.
  • On July 1, 2029, average water and sewer bills will increase by about $3.91 for a total of about $99.61 per month — $44.81 for water and $54.80 for sewer.

At the end of the five years, average residents will see a combined increase of about $18.40 for water and sewer if the proposed 4.2% annual increase is passed.

County officials said the new rates were based on an “independent cost-of-service analysis” by the global consulting firm, Arcadis, which specializes in water and sewer rates.

Under the proposed new rates, the cost of delivering water to a customer’s tap is less than 1 cent per gallon and the total cost of water delivery plus collection and treatment of wastewater after use is about 2 cents per gallon, according to a news release from County Executive Bob Cassilly.

The county’s system operates as a “nonprofit enterprise fund” that is paid for by users and not by general taxpayers. As a result, rates must be set to just cover all system expenses which include maintaining aging infrastructure.

Cassilly’s news release said the primary cost drivers in rates include energy, chemicals, increasing regulation and labor costs, which “have risen faster than inflation.”

The legislation was introduced by the Harford County Council Tuesday night. If approved, the new rates will take effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for April 15 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers, 212 S. Bond St., in Bel Air.

Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@baltsun.com, 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X.