Somerset Approves 5% Water, Sewer Rate Hike
Water · Meeting of July 22, 2026
Somerset water and sewer rates rise 5% for FY27. The Water and Sewer Commission voted unanimously, with members Bednarik, Lima and Cateret all in favor, to raise usage rates to $665 per 1,000 gallons for water and $745 for sewer and to lift the annual base fee from $100 to $105. Staff estimated the typical household will pay about $50 more a year.
One commissioner called it "holding the line," crediting staff work on the rate study, while staff warned a looming federal mandate to replace an estimated 4,500 lead and galvanized water services could force a far bigger increase later. The board also approved roughly $4 million in carried-forward water and sewer fund balances, three small utility abatements, and, after lengthy debate over a missing road easement, a contested new water hookup at 3 O'Neill Road.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,037 words
Source: the Water meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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