BALTIMORE —The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that financial assistance to help low-income City residents pay their water bills will increase Wednesday, July 1, along with an adjustment in water and sewer rates. This marks the final year of a three- year rate adjustment.

Water/sewer rates will increase by 11 percent. The discounts for qualifying senior citizens and grants for other low-income customers will also increase by 11 percent.

That means the discount for low-income senior citizens will increase to 43 percent from 39 percent. The low-income assistance grant will rise to $179 from $161.  

“These rate increases are providing DPW with the necessary revenue to rebuild the City’s aging sewer collection system, replace or repair failing water mains, as well as improve operational and customer service functions,” said DPW Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E.  

“I am committed,” he added, “to keeping these increases as low as possible, and to making sure our customers who qualify for and need assistance with these bills do not have to bear an extra share of the burden.” 

The new rates will increase a “typical” water and sewer bill for a family of four by about $22.13 per quarter, from $200.97 to $223.10.  Even then, Baltimore City customers will still pay less than many other Eastern cities, including Atlanta, Richmond, and Washington D.C.

Both programs are limited to Baltimore City residents who get a water bill directly from DPW. There are other restrictions, notably on household income. Residents may call DPW’s Customer Support and Services Division at 410-396-5398 for more information or to request an application.