WATER AND WASTEWATER RETAIL RATE ADJUSTMENT REPORT

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

Miami-Dade County is proposing a 6% water and wastewater retail rate adjustment for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), effective October 1, 2026. This adjustment is necessary to fund critical infrastructure improvements required by a Consent Decree with the United States and Florida, the State-mandated Ocean Outfall Legislation Program, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Implementation, and other regulatory requirements. The proposed adjustment is projected to generate approximately $65.6 million in annual revenue, supporting approximately $435 million in bond financing for projects. Without this adjustment, critical projects and Professional Service Agreements (PSAs) with contractors like Jacobs Engineering, AECOM, and Hazen and Sawyer would be cancelled, potentially leading to penalties, claims, and increased costs. The report lists numerous specific projects and associated PSAs that would be immediately cancelled if the rate increase is not approved. The adjustment is intended to maintain compliance with federal orders, prevent significant financial penalties, and ensure system reliability. The average combined water and sewer bill for a typical residential customer is projected to increase by approximately $3.77 per month, or 12 cents per day. The report emphasizes that even with the increase, rates will remain affordable and below national utility affordability standards. The matter is scheduled for an Agenda Date of 7/21/2026.