Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils Unanimously Approve WSSC Water’s FY 26 Budget

Laurel, Md. – May 8, 2025 – Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils today unanimously approved WSSC Water’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 $1.8 billion operating and capital budget at their annual bi-county meeting. The budget is supported by a 9.5 percent revenue enhancement that will deliver on specific outcomes:

• Protecting Public Health
• Enhancing Customer Assistance Programs
• Operating and Maintaining $9 Billion in Critical Infrastructure Assets
• Complying with all Federal and State Regulatory Mandates
• Maintaining AAA Bond Rating
• Using Cash to Lower Debt Service and Improve Financial Metrics

The $1.8 billion budget funds a $696.8 million capital program, which supports local businesses and creates jobs. For every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, 15 - 18 jobs are created. This job creation is on par with investment in the military, clean energy, transportation and health care.

“The passage of this $1.8 billion budget continues our commitment of delivering safe, clean water to our communities while enhancing affordability programs, supporting the economic priorities of both counties and continuously improving services across the board,” said WSSC Water Commission Chair T. Eloise Foster. “I want to thank council members for their approval and support in helping us achieve these critical outcomes.”

Budget Highlights

WSSC Water’s $1.8 billion budget delivers key projects and initiatives for 1.9 million customers. Highlights include:

• More than $440 million to upgrade aging pipes, pumps and plants
• $33.6 million to replace customer-owned lead water service lines, helping homeowners go lead-free
• Nearly $9 million in financial assistance to help income-constrained customers – a 14 percent increase over last year
• $4.7 million to continue expansion of WSSC Water’s advanced laboratory and purchase equipment to conduct PFAS (forever chemicals) monitoring
• Nearly $3 million to increase fire flow tests to ensure that fire hydrants can provide water at an acceptable pressure and flow rate for firefighting operations

“We are appreciative of the support, guidance and feedback received from all stakeholders during the budget process,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “In light of current economic conditions, we recognize the concerns about cost and remain committed to balancing affordability with the need to invest in critical infrastructure and the dedicated workforce that supports our $9 billion in assets. This budget strengthens our role as an anchor institution, supports job creation and ensures we continue delivering safe, clean water and vital services so all communities can thrive.”

The $1.8 billion budget is $18.8 million (1.0 percent) more than the FY 2025 budget. Major cost drivers include chemicals (6 percent), heat, light & power (7 percent), cost share for DC Water’s Blue Plains advanced wastewater treatment facility (9 percent), and health insurance (18 percent). 

Assisting Those in Need
Along with a 14 percent increase in financial assistance, WSSC Water recently launched two new initiatives aimed at helping more customers pay their water and sewer bills:

• CAP Leak Repair Program: WSSC Water partnered with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland to repair on-property residential plumbing leaks to help save customers money and conserve water. CAP-enrolled customers can receive up to $9,000 per year in leak-repair services. CAP is WSSC Water’s Customer Assistance Program. 
• Get Current 2.0: This is WSSC Water’s second temporary water bill assistance program to help income-constrained customers with delinquent water/sewer bills. Get Current 2.0 runs March 1 through June 30. The program assists eligible customers with a delinquent balance as of February 1, 2025, by providing bill credits up to 50 percent and 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees waived.  

New Rates

The budget is based on a 9.5 percent average revenue enhancement. A typical customer with a family of three using 48 gallons of water per person daily would see a quarterly increase of $25.60 in their bill, which includes an increase in fees and other charges. Despite this increase, WSSC Water rates remain competitive and continue to compare favorably to many other comparable regional water and sewer utilities. The average residential bill is approximately 1.0 percent of the median household income.

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The two county councils held their annual bi-county meeting to approve WSSC Water’s budget and the budgets for the bi-county portion of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Central Administrative Services and the Washington Suburban Transit Commission. The budget conforms with limits both Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils set when they approved WSSC Water’s Spending Affordability Guidelines. The FY 2026 budget and new rates begin on July 1, 2025. View the budget document at wsscwater.com/fin.