Proposed Changes in Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rates and Charges

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.

Introduction

The Philadelphia Water Department is currently seeking rate changes to maintain the utility’s top-quality drinking water production, wastewater management services, flood protection and the protection of natural resources and waterways. The proposed new rates, phased in over a four-year period, will fund measures to help protect residents from stormwater flooding and to reduce water main leaks and breaks that can damage property. Under the City Charter, PWD is authorized to set service rates through an open and transparent process set forth in the Rate Process Regulations. If approved, increases will take effect in October 2012.

Fact Sheets and Information:

Fact Sheets and Information

PWD Rates Increase Request FY 2013 Summary PWD FY 2013 Rates Increase Request - Key Facts
FAQ About Our Rates Process PWD Rates Process Key Facts
Why is the Water Department Raising Rates? What is PWD Doing to Lower Costs?
Storm Flood Relief and Flooding Mitigation Questions And Answers
Why Are Water Rates Changing? Stormwater Fee Assistance Programs
Press Release PWD Energy Efficiency
The Emerald City: A Perfect Score For Philadelphia Assistance Programs FY 11
Process for Adjusting PWD Water and Sewer Rates Comparative Costs
PWD Capital Programs How PWD Rates Compare Regionally

 

Why a rate increase?

It is estimated that the cost of PWD operations over the next four years will require an additional $316 million in our operating budget. Closing the budget gap translates to an average annual increase of 6.5%, or an additional $4.10 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

2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing Documents

Visit the PWD File Directory to view and download documents related to the 2013 rate filing.

Directions for downloading documents:

  • Click here to visit the PWD File Directory.
  • Click on the 2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing folder in the left-hand column (under Top Level Folders).
  • Select the folder or file to open on the right hand side by clicking on the folder or file name; Click the green arrow next to the file to download. Most files are PDFs.
  • At any time, you may click on the 2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing folder in the left column to return to the main Statements and Exhibits folders.
  • Use the Keyword Search function to search for specific terms in the title of a document.
  • If the page does not respond, be sure you are using an updated version of Flash and a current browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari are recommended). Be aware that some files are large and may take some time to download.
  • For assistance and technical questions about downloading files, email webmaster@phillywatersheds.org.