KC Water asks committee for 6% water and sewer rate increases; average bill forecast rises to $135
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Summary
KC Water proposed 6% increases to both water and sewer rates for FY2026, citing higher chemical, energy and construction costs and consent‑decree work on sewer. The utility said the average combined residential bill would rise from $128 to about $135 per month; officials urged steady revenue to fund billion‑dollar capital programs.
KC Water told the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday that it plans to seek a 6 percent increase to both water and sewer rates in fiscal 2026, citing rising chemical and energy prices, growing maintenance needs and long‑term capital commitments.
Phil Crudwalk, KC Water Services, and other department staff presented cost drivers behind the request: higher chemical costs for treatment, increased expense for sludge management, and material and labor inflation for water‑main and sewer‑system replacements. KC Water said last year’s federal and state borrowing options and pandemic relief no longer cover recurring operating and capital needs.
Under the department’s proposal, water and sewer charges would rise 6 percent each and stormwater rates would remain unchanged. KC Water said the change would raise the projected average combined residential bill from about $128 per month to roughly $135 per month — about $0.25 per day — and that the average bill would remain under EPA affordability thresholds. The utility also said the increase would support a multi‑year capital improvement program it estimated at $1.57 billion for water and $2.43 billion for sewer over the 2026–2030 period.
Council members questioned the pace of annual rate increases and asked staff to provide clearer public communication about why recurring increases are necessary. Several members suggested closer alignment between the utility’s multi‑year capital plans and the city’s overall capital planning so the council and public can see trade‑offs between projects and rate impacts.
KC Water staff noted assistance programs — a $1 million annual contribution to Mid‑America Assistance Coalition, leak repair assistance, and payment plans — and urged residents to pursue those if they need help. Staff also said the utility is exploring bonding options and will return to council with a proposed water‑revenue bond authorization to support planned capital spending.
The committee did not vote on rates Tuesday; KC Water’s proposal will be part of the broader budget review and subject to additional presentations and debate before any ordinance is considered.
