Water Bills On The Rise

Water main breaks. Sewer overflows. Flooded basements. Baltimore’s water infrastructure is often in the headlines. But some listeners may find the most recent news from the Department of Public Works particularly unwelcome: water and sewer rates are set to go up, pending Board of Estimates approval. Baltimore City residents would see a 33 percent water rate increase over the next three years, plus two new fees. But there will no longer be minimum billing for water usage, so water charges for some users may actually decrease. Surrounding counties that use city water will also see changes to their bills. Jeffrey Raymond, Chief of Communications and Community Affairs for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, answers your questions.