Huntsville Utilities is proposing a water rate modification for the Huntsville City Council’s consideration. This proposal will be presented in great detail during Council’s next regular meeting on August 24th (5:30pm). In advance of the meeting, we’d like to take a moment to explain the reasons for this request.

The primary reason for this request is the growth in our community and the subsequent need to expand/improve the water infrastructure. These projects are more expensive than before, due to the rising costs of materials and labor. Additionally, inflation is having a significant impact on routine water operations.

With the increasing demand for service, Huntsville Utilities is pumping 16% more water from all its plants compared to last year, and the costs of water treatment chemicals have risen drastically (from 30% to 100%).

Huntsville Utilities’ last water rate increase was in 2016, and we have some of the lowest water rates in the region. If the proposed adjustment is adopted, our water rates will remain among the lowest in the nation.

This request was made after much analysis and discussion, and it is not made lightly. We appreciate the consideration of the City Council and look forward to our next discussion at their scheduled meeting on August 24.