WASHINGTON, DC — Beginning October 2, 2026, DC Water rates will increase by less than six percent. For the average residential customer, the total monthly bill is expected to rise by about $9, from about $147 to $156.

Affordability was a top priority as the new rates were set. The original proposed increase was 7.5 percent. DC Water kept the increase below 6 percent by removing the proposed Public Inconvenience Fee, absorbing those costs, and finding ways to work more efficiently. 

Just as costs are rising for everyone, DC Water is also facing increasing operational costs. Materials, fuel, electricity, treatment supplies, construction, and daily operations all cost more. At the same time, DC Water must maintain and improve the systems that provide drinking water, carry and treat wastewater, and protect public health.

Customer payments help to maintain water and sewer services today and invest in improvements to keep the system reliable in the future. The new rates will help pay for:

• Replacing old water and sewer pipes
• Replacing lead service lines through Lead Free DC
• Improving major sewer systems, including the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor
• Updating wastewater treatment facilities
• Making continued improvements at the Washington Aqueduct

Over the next 10 years, DC Water plans to invest $9.7 billion in these and other improvements. This work helps reduce service problems, protect water quality, and make the system more dependable.

Understanding that any increase would pose challenges for some customers, it was a top priority for the Authority to keep the increase as low as possible. That’s why DC Water Cares offers several programs for eligible customers, including bill assistance, payment plans and help finding and fixing hidden leaks that can drive up water use and cost.

Through August 2026, more than 4,400 customers received $2.6 million in bill assistance. DC Water’s Board of Directors also approved $1 million to extend the Payment Plan Incentive Program that gives eligible residential customers with past-due balances bill credits when they make consecutive on-time monthly payments.

Customers who use less water pay less and may also benefit from DC Water’s Lifeline Water Rate, which is designed to help keep bills affordable for households with lower water use.

To learn more about the assistance programs available, visit dcwater.com/cares or call our Customer Care Team at 202-354-3600. For details about the new rates, visit dcwater.com/rates.