The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has asked the Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Board (Rate Board) to approve a two-year water rate increase. The goal is to address rising costs for essential services and ensure the utility stays stable. If approved, the rate increase will reflect on customers’ bills this fall, but you can speak up during the upcoming rate review process—here’s how:
Why you should get involved
The first thing you need to know about water rate changes in Philadelphia is that these proceedings are open to public input. Customers, local organizations, and public advocates are welcome to participate. These hearings determine whether the Rate Board accepts, modifies, or rejects PWD’s request. Make sure you’re involved!
How you can get involved
Philadelphia’s water rates are based on the cost of providing water, cleaning wastewater, and managing stormwater. While PWD provides you with water and the Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) bills you for it, they don’t set the rates. The Rate Board handles that. But even the Rate Board, which is appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council, doesn’t approve rates on its own. It holds public hearings so residents can testify, ask questions, and give feedback. You can participate in the 2025 proceedings by:
- Submitting comments to the Rate Board. Email your comments to WaterRateBoard@phila.gov or mail them to: Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board, c/o City of Philadelphia, Law Dept., 1515 Arch St., 17th Fl., Phila. PA 19102. There’s no deadline for comments yet. Stay tuned to the Rate Board’s website for updates.
- Attending a public hearing to give your input. The Rate Board’s Hearing Officer has scheduled four public hearings for April 22 and 23. In-person and virtual hearings will take place on both days starting at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Find meeting details on the Rate Board’s website.
- Observing a technical hearing – these hearings are only open to registered participants, in line with the Rate Board’s rules. Technical hearings will only be virtual, and the link will be provided on the Rate Board’s website.
- Sharing your concerns with the Public Advocate. Community Legal Services (CLS) serves as a Public Advocate in the 2025 proceedings. Residential and smaller business customers are represented by the Public Advocate. You can share your questions or concerns with CLS by emailing publicadvocate@clsphila.org or calling (215)-227-9988.
The Board will make its final decision in July after reviewing the whole record, including its hearing officer’s recommendations. The Philadelphia Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Rate Board is an independent City board that sets water rates based on City Council standards.
As always, help is available
Residents who meet certain age and income requirements can always get water bill help. For example, a 25% discount is available to seniors 65 and older whose income is $38,800 or less. The Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) helps low-income residents lower their bills. Even higher-income households experiencing a special hardship, such as job loss, may qualify for water bill help.
Sign up now to keep your bill down. You can access all relief programs in one place, and it’s easiest to apply online. Make sure you read the application form carefully. It contains examples of acceptable supporting documents as well as instructions on how to submit it. You should always apply for assistance, even if you’re unsure if you qualify. If you’re denied, you can take advantage of the City’s flexible payment agreement options to pay your bill.
