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Columbia Utilities has introduced a new proposal to adjust water rates, aiming to make billing fairer and more transparent for consumers.
The suggested revision involves restructuring the tiered water usage system, currently based on a customer’s winter water consumption.
At present, residents are charged during summer based on 70% of their average winter usage, with additional rate tiers applied if their usage exceeds that baseline. However, the new plan would eliminate this seasonal average formula entirely.
Billing Based on Actual Monthly Use
Under the revised system, customers would be billed for 100% of their real-time monthly water usage, regardless of the season.
While the tiered structure would still apply, charges would now reflect actual consumption, offering a more precise and equitable approach.
“You’ll now pay for the water you actually use, not a percentage of it,” said Jason West, Communications and Outreach Supervisor for Columbia Utilities.
Majority of Residents to See Lower Bills
According to West, the proposed structure would result in lower water bills for about 65% of residential users.
Approximately 50% of commercial customers are also expected to benefit from reduced costs. However, customers with high water usage, such as those with irrigation systems or pools, would likely see their bills increase.
“For high-use households and businesses, higher charges will apply,” West explained. “On the other hand, large industrial clients may experience reduced costs.”
Seasonal Distinctions to Be Removed
The proposal also includes eliminating the summer versus non-summer distinction, applying the tiered rates throughout the year. The intent is to better recover peak day and peak hour water supply costs through pricing adjustments in the higher usage tiers.
Expected Utility Revenue Growth
To support infrastructure needs, Columbia is also proposing a 12% increase in water utility revenue for the next fiscal year.
This revenue would come largely from customers who consume more water and would be used to address increasing operational and maintenance expenses, support staffing, and maintain financial health of the utility.
“These rate increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, the cost of living, and operational needs,” West added. “This will allow us to support existing employees, hire new ones, and cover the cost of supplies and infrastructure such as pipes, wires, and transmission systems.”
Columbia’s proposed water rate changes aim to create a fairer, usage-based billing system that better reflects actual consumption patterns.
While higher-use customers may pay more, the majority of residential and many commercial users will benefit from reduced bills.
The shift also supports the city’s long-term goals of financial stability, infrastructure maintenance, and operational efficiency.