2026 Sewer Rate Increase
The Elkins Sanitary Board, which manages the City’s sewer system, has recommended a series of utility rate increases over the next three years. These increases would be effective as follows:
- A 15% increase effective May 15, 2026.
- A 12% increase effective May 15, 2027.
- A 15% increase effective May 15, 2028.
The Elkins City Council will consider this recommendation and make a final decision on the sewer rate increase during the meetings of February 19 and March 5. There will be a public hearing concerning the increase on March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Phil Gainer Community Center. If Council approves, the new rates will take effect on May 15; customers will see the new rate on later utility bills, beginning on June 30, 2026.
For a residential customer using an average of 3,400 gallons per month, the proposed increase would amount to approximately:
- June 30, 2026: $7.62, or an additional $0.26 a day.
- June 30, 2027: $7.01, or an additional $0.24 a day.
- June 30, 2028: $9.82, or an additional $0.33 a day.
We know this is not welcome news. The City last increased sewer rates in 2023, and we understand the potential financial impact on Elkins’ residents and businesses.
This necessary step, however, reflects a challenge facing communities across West Virginia and the entire U.S. Aging sewer infrastructure, changes in environmental regulations, and the rising cost of materials all require significant investments in ensuring a reliable and compliant wastewater system for Elkins’ future.
Why and How?
Why is the rate increase necessary?
The wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 1986. Although it received a partial upgrade in 2008, many antiquated fixtures and infrastructure components were left in service; hence the plant needs significant modernization. The rate increase will also support ongoing infrastructure improvements that reduce sewer overflows, safeguard the Tygart Valley River, and ensure long-term environmental stewardship in cooperation with the U.S. EPA.
While the City of Elkins last raised its sewer rates in 2023, these factors are adding to the Wastewater Department’s ongoing costs:
- Technology upgrades to improve operations and security
- Staffing increases to cover regulatory demands
- Wage increases to better retain system personnel
- Increases in daily operation and maintenance costs
- Aging infrastructure repairs
- Continuing regulatory demands from the state of West Virginia and federal government
Why can’t the city government simply move money from elsewhere in the budget to cover these payments?
By law, the City of Elkins cannot use general City funds to cover the costs of operating its utilities. State law requires that these services be paid for entirely by the customers who use them. Just like Elkins’ water and trash services, the sewer system must be self-supporting and cannot receive funding from other City departments.
How was the proposed rate determined?
The Elkins Sanitary Board worked with Michael Griffith, of Griffith & Associates, to analyze the last three years of actual costs, the ongoing effects of inflation, the condition of rolling stock and other essential equipment, and vendor price projections. The board also worked with Cynthia Wilson, an attorney with Kay, Casto & Chaney, to advise on the legal process.
The initial review of a rate increase began in November 2024 with the Elkins Sanitary Board approving Griffith Associates to review data. The Sanitary Board’s goal was to determine a level of rate increase that would responsibly meet the needs of the sewer system without unnecessarily burdening customers.
A presentation by Griffith Associates in October 2025 presented this review based on data. In January 2026 the Elkins Sanitary Board moved to take to council for review.
Monthly Bills & Rates
The calculation of each customer’s monthly bill depends on number of gallons of water used. All customers are charged for either 1,500 gallons or actual usage, whichever is higher. This table shows how the increase would affect customers at usage levels typical of most residential customers. (See the larger table in the section below for a more comprehensive list.)
The average residential usage in West Virginia is 3,400 gallons. After the first increase, in June 2026, an account using 3,400 gallons a month would see an increase of $7.62 per month, or about 25 cents a day.
Future increases in 2027 and 2028 for customers using an average or 3,400 gallons per month would see increases of $7.01 and $9.82, respectively.
NOTE: Keep in mind that an Elkins utility bill includes charges not only for sewer but also water, garbage, and the Fire & Rescue Service Fee. Only the charge for sewer would be affected by this rate increase.
