WSSC Water’s Budget Public Hearings Now Virtual

Laurel, Md. – January 27, 2026 – Due to hazardous conditions created by the recent winter storm, WSSC Water will hold its two budget public hearings virtually. The hearings give interested customers and stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the $1.9 billion preliminary proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating and capital budget. Staff will present an overview of the budget, answer questions, and receive public comments through the livestream (Teams meeting) or the call in option.

The virtual public hearings will be held: 

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.  
Register to comment 
Access the first livestream 
Call-in number to provide comment: 240-800-7929
Conference ID: 164 568 782# 

Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. 
Register to comment
Access the second livestream
Call-in number to provide comment: 240-800-7929       
Conference ID: 815 703 123# 

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). Both meetings are available to watch via livestream and public comment can be made via a call-in option.

Registration is recommended but not required. Individuals requiring accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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.