Most Henderson residential water customers will see a $5 increase on their bills for each of the next three years.
All the increases are to the fixed rates of the different water services the utility provides. For example, stormwater fixed rate for a meter size of 1 ¼ inches or less is currently $5. Starting Jan. 1, the fixed rate for that size goes up to $10.
Larger meter sizes will see larger increases, although the increases are based on the same percentage increase across the board.
Most Henderson residents have a 5/8- or ¾-inch meter size, said HWU General Manager Bart Boles.
Similarly, the water fixed rate will increase $5 on Jan. 1, 2026.
And then, a year later, the wastewater fixed rate will increase another $5.
By January 2027, the average household’s combined fixed rate for stormwater, water and wastewater will have increased from $20 to $35.
When all three increases are in place, it is expected to create $2.25 million in revenue, Boles said.
This is the first time the fixed rates for the water utilities have increased since 2019, Boles said. The volumetric rates—rates based on usage—have seen increases in the past years, he said.
The added revenue will help offset increases in aspects of doing business for the utility.
According to the rate increase resolution passed by the Henderson Water and Sewer Commission on Nov. 18: “Operating expenses have increased 9.5% since the last rate increase on 1 July 2019. These expenses include chemicals, fuel, energy costs, material, costs for equipment and infrastructure upgrades to operate the two water treatment plants and two wastewater treatment plants.”
Boles also said that federal regulatory requirements to address PFAS and lead and galvanized piping as well as projects to replace 100-year infrastructure in Henderson are also factors for the rate increase.
“If we don’t make this move, our reserves are going to continue to go down,” Boles said.
Although HWU operates separately from the city of Henderson, it still must receive approval from the Henderson City Commission for rate increases and large capital projects.
The Henderson City Commission unanimously approved the rate increases Tuesday at its meeting.
