Council Holds Hearing on DC Water Rates

The Committee on Transportation and the Environment, chaired by Councilmember Mary Cheh (D, Ward 3) held a Nov. 17th hearing on DC Water’s rate increases. In response to recent media stories about the enormous increases DC Water customers have experienced in the past few years, the Committee will discuss the need for these increases, how long customers can expect them to continue, and if there are less burdensome alternatives.

 Although DC Water maintains that these rate increases are necessary to fund the utility’s operation as well as several large capital projects (designed to improve the District's waterways), AOBA provided information to the Council about the effects these increases have had on commercial and multifamily customers, and the lack of attention focused on the impact of these increases on businesses. As we continue our advocacy efforts, it is important that we hear from members directly about the impact of the new fee. We need to capitalize on this opportunity to highlight the impacts of the new Water System Replacement and Availability fee, compounded by the fact that AOBA members have seen their DC Water rates nearly double -- and triple in some instances -- over the past 10 years.

Questions? Want to share information on the impact?  Please contact Kirsten Williams, kwilliams@aoba-metro.org.