Baltimore County Water Bills To Rise Again, Here's Why
Head’s Up: Water Bills In Baltimore County Will Increase This Summer
Baltimore County residents will see higher water bills beginning in July, following the Baltimore City Board of Estimates’ approval of a 4.9% rate increase.
This marks the latest in a series of similar hikes, with previous increases occurring in 2023 and 2021. The adjustments are part of a long-term plan to bring parity between city and county water customers, as both jurisdictions share water and sewer systems managed by Baltimore City.
“That 5% increase has been going on for about four years,” said Matthew Garbark, interim deputy director of the Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW). “It has narrowed the gap in what the city and county residents see in their bills significantly.”
Baltimore’s management of the regional water system dates back nearly a century and is codified in state law.
For many county residents, the news is unwelcome, if not unexpected.
“It doesn’t really surprise me,” said longtime resident Maria Cadden. “I always thought our bills were a little low compared to the city, but for people who are struggling, it still makes a difference.”
“I guess everything’s going up in price,” added Isabel Rodriguez. “But I know my mom won’t be happy about this.”
Garbark told the board that the gap between city and county water bills is now just $1 or $2, based on the most recent findings from the Water Governance Task Force.
Baltimore County officials, however, continue to push for a more equitable say in rate-setting decisions. Councilman David Marks, who represents District 5, said county leaders have long sought changes to the current structure.
“In 2019, the Baltimore County Council urged the state legislature to create a regional water authority so there would be greater input by all residents,” Marks wrote in a statement to WJZ. “There has been next to no action on this initiative, which should be frustrating to all ratepayers.”
Meanwhile, Baltimore City residents are also facing rate hikes. Earlier this year, the city approved a multi-year plan that will gradually raise water, sewer, and stormwater bills.
As of February 1, city residents began seeing a 3% increase in their water bills and a 15% jump in sewer rates. Those hikes are expected to grow to 9% annually through fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
“We’re looking at about a $12 monthly increase right now—around $130 to $142 for a family of four,” said DPW Director Khalil Zaied.
City officials say the increases are necessary to sustain the system’s aging infrastructure. DPW is launching a $1.9 billion, six-year capital improvement plan aimed at replacing water mains, reducing sewer overflows, and modernizing operations.
