On January 24, 2023, the Philadelphia Water Department filed advance notice with the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board (Rate Board) of its request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges over two successive years. The Department also filed its proposed Annual TAP-R Reconciliation. This annual reconciliation provides an adjustment to recover costs associated with the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP).

The rate changes are designed to address rising costs for essential services and ensure the stability of the utility. In the next two years, as part of continuing national trends, rising costs in labor, chemicals, materials, equipment, laboratory services and capital costs are among a number of factors that will together drive increasing revenue needs.

Recognizing the impacts of rising costs in all sectors of the economy, the Water Department and Water Revenue Bureau remain committed to attaining more affordable bills for vulnerable households, achieving greater participation in Philadelphia’s nationally recognized Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), and expanding outreach and engagement.

“We are committed to supporting the Water Department and its customers to ensure that residents receive reliable, high-quality water services regardless of income,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Recognizing the financial impact that a necessary rate change will have on Philadelphia households, we plan to work with City Council and partners to realize proposals that will address the affordability of water services, including autoenrollment in TAP.”

“Without these rate changes, the Philadelphia Water Department will struggle to make needed investments in critical infrastructure, including replacing aging water mains, upgrading water treatment plants, building storage for clean water, and sustaining the pumping systems needed to deliver and treat water,” said Philadelphia Water Department Commissioner Randy E. Hayman. “As a public utility, we are guided by a mission of serving our city while keeping water affordable for all, and we remain dedicated to that mission.”

To read the full press release, please follow the link.