The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) wants to raise water rates for City residents.
If approved, the 15 percent increase would go into effect on July 1 and raise the annual water and sewer bill for a typical customer by $94.50. That means quarterly bills would rise about $23. Water and sewer rates in the two subsequent years would rise by 11 percent annually.
The rates would not affect county customers who use city water.
DPW says the rate increases are necessary to meet numerous unfunded State and Federal regulatory mandates; to replace aging infrastructure; to continue innovative management solutions; and to implement new meter and billing systems.
The Department of Public Works plans to officially submit its request for a hearing on the new rates to the Board of Estimates on Wednesday, May 22. A hearing would be held June 26, and the new rates, if approved, would go into effect July 1.
