Customers of the City of Ottawa utilities need to brace for an increase in water rates. On January 8th, 2023, the City Commission approved a five-year plan for annual adjustments to water and wastewater utility rates. These adjustments will be effective April 2, 2025. The rate increases were set to take effect this year, including a $2.00 base charge adjustment for wastewater, coupled with a 5% rate increase. Water services will also experience a $2.00 base charge adjustment accompanied by a 6% rate increase. Finance Director Melanie Landis explained the increases in January 2023:
This year’s increases are set to take affect on April 1st. The increase in water rates was the first in over 10 years and at the time, then Utilities Director Dennis Tharp, said there was more cost going out than income coming in when it comes to the water utility and that necessitated the increase.
