WATER AND WASTEWATER RETAIL RATE ADJUSTMENT REPORT

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · report

This is a legislative report regarding a proposed 6% water and wastewater retail rate adjustment for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), effective October 1, 2026. The adjustment is proposed to generate approximately $65.6 million in recurring annual revenue to support approximately $435 million in bond financing. The report details that without the increase, approximately $435 million in projects would be cancelled, including specific projects and Professional Service Agreements (PSAs) listed in Figure 1. The report is scheduled for the Board of County Commissioners agenda on July 21, 2026, as item 14B1. The report was introduced on July 9, 2026, and is currently in draft status. The proposed rate adjustment would require an amendment to Implementing Order 4-110, WASD's Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges. The report states the adjustment will have a countywide impact on retail customers in WASD's service areas. The report notes that the next planned bond issuance is anticipated in Fiscal Year 2026-27 and is dependent upon the revenues generated by the proposed rate adjustment. The report also states that the proposed adjustment applies only to retail customers, and wholesale customer rates will be evaluated separately. The report includes a list of projects and PSAs that would be immediately cancelled if the rate adjustment is not approved, including projects related to the Ocean Outfall Program, Consent Decree Program, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and various water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. The report mentions that the Consent Decree compliance deadline is June 2028 and the program is approximately 89% complete. The report states that the proposed rate adjustment would increase the monthly bill for low-usage households by approximately $0.82 and for the typical residential customer by approximately $3.77, or 12 cents per day. The report also states that even with the proposed adjustment, the average combined water and sewer bill will continue to remain below 1% of the median household income. The report does not state a specific street address, parcel, or acreage for a project, as it is a countywide rate adjustment report. The report does not state a final decision, as it is a report to the Board. The report does not include any public comment or stakeholder sentiment.