Press Release

For Immediate Release

May 12, 2026

Contact:

Jennifer Rose

Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

Mayor Pernerewski Addresses Proposed Water Rate Adjustment

(Waterbury, CT) Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. today addressed the proposed adjustment to Waterbury s water rates, emphasizing the need to maintain the long term strength and reliability of the city s water system while continuing to keep rates among the lowest in Connecticut.

Waterbury has maintained among the lowest, if not the lowest, water rates in the State of Connecticut for decades, and even with this proposed increase, our rates will remain among the lowest in the state, said Mayor Pernerewski. However, the current rate structure is no longer sufficient to generate the annual revenue necessary to cover the increasing costs of operations and the capital investments required to maintain our water infrastructure.

The proposed adjustment would increase the water usage rate from $2.65/CCF to $3.50/CCF. In addition, the quarterly basic service charge for 5/8 meters, which are the typical residential meters, would increase from $12 to $24 per quarter. For meters larger than 5/8 , which are typically commercial customers, the quarterly service charge would increase from $12 to $120.

For the average household, the proposed changes would equate to approximately a $130 annual increase.

The Mayor noted that the City invested more than $32 million in water infrastructure improvements over the past year, including critical system upgrades designed to ensure the continued delivery of clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. Because these projects are financed, additional revenue is needed to support the associated debt service obligations.

These investments are not optional, the Mayor said. They are necessary to maintain and modernize an aging system, meet operational demands, and ensure we can continue providing reliable water service for generations to come.

Mayor Pernerewski stressed that the proposal was considered carefully and with full awareness of the impact any increase may have on residents, particularly seniors and those living on fixed incomes.

I do not take any increase lightly, and I recognize the burden this may place on many households, he said. This proposal was evaluated thoughtfully and responsibly, balancing affordability with the long term needs of our city s water system. Our responsibility is not only to address today s needs, but also to ensure future generations inherit a system that is dependable, sustainable, and capable of serving the community for decades ahead.

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