DC Water’s proposed $1.9 billion operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2027, focused on Smart Spending for a Resilient Tomorrow, includes funding to help provide safe, reliable drinking water, upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure, reduce pollution in local waterways, and continue removing lead service lines across the District.

Customers can learn more and share feedback during DC Water’s hybrid town hall on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. During the meeting, DC Water will provide information on the impact to residents and businesses, while balancing the need to maintain affordability.  

Under the proposed FY27 budget and two-year retail rate proposal, some fees would remain the same, while changes to water, sewer, and Clean Rivers-related charges would help cover operating costs, regulatory requirements, and infrastructure investments. This includes:

• Proposed overall bill increase of 6.6% in FY27 and a 5.3% increase in FY28
• For residential customers this would increase the average monthly bill by about $10 in FY27 and $8 more in FY28.

For transparency, DC Water will begin showing certain District-related charges separately from DC Water rates. These include pass-through charges collected on behalf of the District and public inconvenience fees tied to permits for construction work needed for infrastructure improvements, such as Lead Free DC.

The proposed budget advances ongoing capital projects to upgrade and improve infrastructure, improve reliability, and support sustainability across the District including:

• Clean Rivers Program – This federally mandated project is designed to reduce combined stormwater and wastewater overflows into local waterways, helping improve water quality in the Potomac River and Rock Creek watershed.
• Pure Water DC – This initiative is focused on building a more resilient water supply for the District through water reuse planning, research, and public engagement, including construction of a Discovery Center to explore various technology and inform the public.
• Lead Free DC – DC Water’s ongoing effort to replace all lead service lines in the District, with more than 10,000 replacements already completed.
• Sewer Rehabilitation Projects – DC Water continues major work to rehabilitate aging infrastructure, including the Potomac Interceptor and Rock Creek Main Interceptor.

DC Water also offers customer assistance programs to help eligible customers manage water and sewer bills. More information is available at dcwater.com/cap.

INFORMATION

What: DC Water FY2027 Operating and Capital Budget and Rate Adjustments Hybrid Town Hall

When: Thursday, May 28, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Where: DC Water headquarters, 1385 Canal Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Watch: Channel 16 or live streamed on Vimeo (link will be provided upon registration)

Register: Eventbrite link.

Learn more: Ratepayer Adjustment Townhall page or dcwater.com/rates