Water Rate Adjustment
PWD is committed to delivering safe, clean, and reliable water every day. The proposed 2026 water rate adjustment supports long-term investments to ensure reliable service, safeguard water quality, and modernize our infrastructure. We also prioritize managing expenses and operating efficiently, without compromising the quality or reliability of your water.
Public Hearing
Monday, November 10 | 6:30 p.m.
In Person or Zoom
Nixon Development Center
225 Douglass Street, Portland
2026 Water Rate Adjustment Mailer
Water Tariffs 2026
2026 Proposed Comprehensive Budget Report
Ozone Generator
Ozone Generator Control Module Replaced in 2025
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. PWD bills wastewater fees on behalf of the city and towns.
Adjustment by Customer Type
|
Customer Classification |
% Increase |
Revenue Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential |
6.8% |
$ 1,337,373 |
|
Commercial |
8.4% |
$ 528,537 |
|
Industrial |
9.6% |
$ 221,941 |
|
Government |
8.9% |
$ 129,141 |
|
Private Fire |
6.4% |
$ 117,886 |
|
Public Fire |
6.4% |
$ 102,805 |
|
Other |
21.3% |
$ 29,800 |
|
Total |
7.4% |
$ 2,467,484 |
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
Proposed Water Rate Increase: Where the Money Goes
The draft 2026 budget calls for a proposed 7.4% water rate increase to fully fund expenses—consistent with last year’s forecasts. About 72% 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 treatment 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 find. 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. The proposed 2026 budget includes funding for new ozone treatment equipment.
We Care: Committed to Affordability
Low Income Rate Program
PWD remains committed to keeping water affordable for those who need it most. Through our Lifeline Water Rate program, qualifying customers can receive bill assistance to help make water costs more manageable. Customers can apply through the Opportunity Alliance.
