Huntsville, Ala., approves sewer rate hike to fund $150 million system upgrade
(UI) — The City of Huntsville has approved its first sewer rate increase in 20 years to support a $150 million investment in aging sewer infrastructure and improvements at five wastewater treatment facilities.
City Council passed the rate adjustment in a 4-1 vote at its June 26 regular meeting.
The ordinance raises monthly sewer bills for the average residential customer from $24.15 to $29.15, still significantly below the state average of $52.14 per month. Beginning in 2026, sewer rates will increase by $1 per month annually until 2034. By then, the average residential bill would reach $39.15, which remains well under the current statewide average.
The increase will help fund infrastructure upgrades through a 10-year capital plan. City officials emphasized the need for reinvestment, as much of the existing sewer system dates back to the 1950s.
“Like all utilities, a wastewater system’s infrastructure continues to age,” city officials stated. “Reinvestment into the system is necessary to ensure reliability that meets regulatory requirements.”
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