Residents on public water will see an 8% increase in their water rates effective July 1, and another 8% in January 2028, according to an announcement from the South Berwick Water District.
Higher operating expenses, more frequent extreme weather events, and aging facilities are all responsible for the hike, the district said. The last increase in rates in 2025 was the first in two decades, according to the district’s website.
For 96% of customers, the impact in the first year is estimated to be $5.20 per quarter, or $20.80 per year, explained Water District Superintendent Ryan Lynch, and the second increase will be $5.62 per quarter, or $22.47 per year.
A public hearing on the rate increase will be held at 7 p.m. April 20 in the South Berwick Community Center on Norton Street.
The increase will bring in $185,876 more revenue for the district. Those funds will support growing water needs associated with expected residential development and help pay for major projects such as replacement of the treatment plant’s computer systems and aging pumps at the town’s four wells, according to the district post.
The district has applied to the Maine Public Utilities Commission for approval of the rate increase.
Customers can petition the commission within 30 days of the public hearing to request the PUC investigate the rate changes, provided the petition is signed by at least 228 customers. The South Berwick Water District will provide petition forms on request.
