Wilmington proposes water rate increase of 6.5% amid rising utility costs

During the recent Wilmington FY2026 Budget Hearings, city officials discussed significant proposed rate increases for water and sewer services that will directly impact residents. Artesian Water and Veolia Water have suggested rate hikes of 12.4% and 44%, respectively, while Tidewater Delaware is proposing a 25.6% increase. Nearby Philadelphia has also announced a combined rate increase of 10% for water, sewer, and stormwater services.

These increases are part of a broader trend affecting utility costs across the region, with Baltimore planning multiple rate hikes over the next few years. The discussions highlighted the necessity of these adjustments to ensure that utilities can maintain their capital programs and meet operational costs.

For Wilmington residents, the proposed changes mean that the average monthly bill for water, sewer, and stormwater services will rise from $72 to approximately $76.80 for those using 4,000 gallons of water—a $4.67 increase. For customers outside the city, the total bill will increase from about $87 to $91.91, reflecting a 4.6% rise.

Despite these increases, Wilmington's rates remain competitive compared to neighboring utilities. Inside city rates are still on the lower end of the spectrum, while outside city rates are positioned in the middle range compared to other providers.

City officials acknowledged the impact of these rate increases on residents but emphasized the importance of maintaining service quality and infrastructure. As the city moves forward, it will continue to address the financial needs of its utilities while striving to keep costs manageable for the community.