Water Rate Adjustment

The Portland Water District (PWD) is proposing a water rate adjustment effective January 1, 2026. The impact on a typical residential customer will be $1.92 per month. The proposed increase does not affect wastewater fees, which are set by city and town governments, but billed by PWD.

Adjustment by Customer Type

More Information

Customers will have an opportunity to learn more and ask questions at a public hearing on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Nixon Development Center located at 225 Douglass Street in Portland. The public may attend the rate hearing in person or via Zoom. Materials supporting the rate increase are available online at www.pwd.org and can be mailed upon request.

Investing Today to Protect Tomorrow

The draft 2026 budget calls for a proposed 7.4% water rate increase to fully fund expenses—consistent with last year’s forecasts. About 70% of the increase supports critical capital investments, including water main replacements, treatment facility upgrades, and the system-wide meter replacement project. The balance reflects higher operational costs, like insurance and electricity.

Building Reliability Through Smart Investments

Project Highlight: Ozone Treatment Upgrade

Ozone treatment has been a vital part of providing safe drinking water since the facility opened in 1994. After more than 30 years of service, some original equipment is nearing the end of its service life, and replacement parts and skilled technicians are increasingly difficult to source. For a service as essential as drinking water, redundancy is critical to ensuring uninterrupted operations. Proactive investment in new ozone equipment enhances reliability, safeguards public health, and strengthens the resiliency of water service.

We Care: Committed to Affordability and Sustainability

Low Income Rate Program

The proposed rates reaffirm our commitment to affordability by increasing support for customers enrolled in the Lifeline Water Rate program. Under the change, households in the program will receive a larger monthly discount, helping to keep water bills manageable. Qualified customers can apply through the Opportunity Alliance.

We work hard every year to keep costs as low as possible and to find efficiencies within our operations. These are long-term investments that ensure reliable service, safe water, and modern infrastructure.

We want customers to know exactly where their money goes—into protecting water quality, replacing aging pipes, upgrading facilities, and investing in technology that improves service and efficiency.