As the cost of water utility services rise steadily across the country, PWD works hard to deliver safe, clean drinking water to you in a cost-effective manner.
Why a rate increase?
It is estimated that the cost of PWD operations over the next three years will require an additional $316 million in our operating budget. Closing the budget gap translates to an average annual increase of 5.5%, or an additional $4.00 per month, on a typical residential bill.
Like all water, wastewater and stormwater utilities, PWD is challenged by rising costs in a number of areas, including:
In addition, PWD continues to expand customer assistance programs.
What are we doing to keep rates low?
PWD has undertaken several measures to reduce operational expenses, including:
- Increasing the automation and convenience of our metering and billing systems
- Reducing energy costs by generating electricity on-site with solar photovoltaic panels
- Investing in technology to generate energy from wastewater
- Finding cost-effective ways to meet federal and state regulatory requirements that also improve Philadelphia’s waterways and revitalize the city
- Partnering with other City agencies to improve efficiency
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