To continue providing safe, reliable water services to the Bellingham community, the City will implement utility rate increases starting in January 2026. The increases, approved by Bellingham City Council on July 7, 2025, reflect the investments needed to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
On average, customers will see a 13.5% increase in their monthly utility bill starting in January, with additional increases planned in future years.
Investing in essential services
The City is taking a proactive approach to address aging infrastructure and preparing for future needs. Many of the systems we rely on every day – some more than a century old – require critical upgrades to remain safe, dependable and sustainable.
“We know that affordability is a real concern for many in our community right now, and we didn’t make this decision lightly,” said Mayor Kim Lund. “We’ve reached a point where continuing to delay investments would lead to even higher costs and more disruption in the future. As stewards of public resources, we have a responsibility to act now and plan wisely.”
The City’s investments target the most critical needs, from replacing pipes that are over 100 years old to making key upgrades at our water and wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring rates dollars are making the biggest impact on preventing future problems.
In addition, rate changes are tailored to the unique improvements necessary for each utility – drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. For example, wastewater rates are increasing more significantly to support major upgrades at the Post Point wastewater treatment plant.
These decisions reflect the City’s long-term commitment to maintaining essential services and protecting public health and the environment. By investing now, the City aims to avoid more costly repairs and ensure that utility systems remain strong and sustainable for future generations.
Expanded Customer Assistance Program
To support those most affected, the City is expanding its Customer Assistance Program in 2026. The program will offer reduced rates for qualifying low-income households, with expanded eligibility to include households at or below 80% of the area median income.
Applications are now available online for 2026 eligibility. Apply as soon as possible to allow adequate processing time before your January bill. Applying online is easy and confidential. Customers who are currently receiving reductions will be automatically enrolled in the new program this year.
“From the outset, we focused pointedly on affordability by building the expanded Customer Assistance Program into our plans alongside the rate increase. Yet, even with expanded assistance, we know this increase will be difficult for some community members,” Mayor Lund added. “That’s why we’re doing everything we can to communicate early, offer support where we can, and make sure people aren’t caught off guard.”
Learn more
For more information, visit the utility rates webpage. To learn more about eligibility and apply for reduced rates, visit our reduced rates webpage, or call the Finance Department at 360-778-8011 for assistance.
