WSSC Water Hosts Public Hearings on $1.9 Billion Preliminary Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Laurel, Md. – January 22, 2026 – WSSC Water is hosting two public hearings for interested customers and stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback on its $1.9 billion preliminary proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating and capital budget. Staff will provide an overview of the budget, answer questions and receive public comments, which can be made in-person or via a call-in option for those viewing online. 

The transparent outcome-focused approach to budgeting reflects WSSC Water’s role as an anchor institution focused on delivering safe, reliable water and wastewater services. The $1.9 billion budget prioritizes public health, compliance with the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts, and critical investments in aging infrastructure, including lead service line replacement and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) management. 

The preliminary proposed budget strengthens support for customers who need it most by increasing funding for assistance programs by 20 percent, while controlling costs through efficiencies. It also aims to help maintain WSSC Water’s AAA bond rating and invests in employees, technology, and long-term system reliability to ensure dependable service for the communities we serve. 

Interested members of the public can visit https://www.wsscwater.com/fin for complete details on the budget process and register to comment (not required). If you cannot join in-person, both meetings are available to watch via livestream and public comment can be made on-line via a call-in option. 

The public hearings schedule is as follows: 

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.  
WSSC Water 
14501 Sweitzer Lane 
Laurel, MD 20707 
Register to comment 
Can’t attend? Streaming is available via WSSC Water’s website 
Call-in number to provide comment: 240-800-7929          
Conference ID: 164 568 782# 

Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. 
Council Office Building 
3rd Floor Hearing Room 
100 Maryland Avenue 
Rockville, MD 20850 
Register to comment
Can’t attend? Streaming available via County Cable Montgomery 
Call-in number to provide comment: 240-800-7929       
Conference ID: 815 703 123# 

Please note: With winter weather possible, meeting formats may change. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to check https://www.wsscwater.com/fin for the latest updates, including whether hearings will be held virtually due to hazardous weather conditions. 

Registration is recommended but not required. Individuals requiring accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact communications@wsscwater.com. Customers with service or billing-related questions should call 301-206-4001. 

The public hearing record will remain open until February 17, 2026. Written comments for inclusion in the record can be sent to BudgetGroup@wsscwater.com or mailed to Budget Division Manager, WSSC Water, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707. The proposed budget must be submitted to the Prince George’s and Montgomery County Executives by March 1, 2026. 

The preliminary proposed budget is funded with a 5 percent average revenue enhancement, which includes volumetric and fixed fees. To limit the impact on customers, WSSC Water identified non-rate revenue to offset a portion of the enhancement request – totaling 1 percent in one-time revenue from interest income and a transfer from a temporary rate stabilization fund. A typical customer with a family of three using 48 gallons of water per person daily would see a quarterly increase of $14.75 in their bill. WSSC Water’s FY 2027 budget is effective on July 1, 2026. 

Despite this increase, WSSC Water rates remain competitive and continue to compare favorably to many other comparable regional water and sewer utilities. WSSC Water’s cumulative bill increase since FY 2000 is well below those of its regional peers.