Understanding the new rates increases
Customers will see the increase beginning in
October bills.
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) customers will receive notices announcing new water rates, effective Sept. 1, 2024, beginning next month. A typical residential monthly bill will increase from $74.81 to $84.03. A typical residential bill with a Senior Discount applied will be $50.32. Customers will first see the increase beginning in October bills.
The Water Rate Board, an independent body that sets water rates and charges, approved a rate increase on June 26 following spring public input and technical hearings.
The Department does not profit from rate increases. The Philadelphia Water Department is a public cost-of-service utility, meaning we can only charge the amount needed to cover the cost of the services we provide.
Water rates support critical infrastructure investment and services, including fire hydrant maintenance, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management. The Department’s capital budget will cost several billion dollars in investments and obligations over the next several years.
If you need help paying your water bill, go to water.phila.gov/cap or call (215) 685-6300 to apply.
Of the estimated $9.22 increase in the typical residential customer's monthly bill, $6.03 pays your base rate and $3.19 funds the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), making water affordable for 60,000 families in Philadelphia. TAP allows low-income customers to pay reduced bills based upon a percentage of their household income. Enrollment for this program has increased significantly during the 2024-2025 rate period.
The Department and the Water Rate Board will reassess the costs to support the program early in 2025.
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