utility workers in North Carolina
Raleigh Public Utilities workers barricade a crosswalk to perform repair work/City of Raleigh


Clients Raleigh Water  will experience an increase in their bills public services from July 1, 2025.

Water and consumption charges will increase by a 4% or average monthly increase of $1.91 , according to the division of Raleigh Water, affecting “almost all” single-family homes with 5/8-inch water meters. 

This adjustment will affect customers of: Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon.  

“By investing consistently each year, we can proactively address infrastructure needs, minimize sudden and sharp rate increases, and deliver reliable service while maximizing the value of every dollar spent,” the press release reads.

Raleigh Water manages 5.170 miles of pipeline, which is enough to stretch from Raleigh to Los Angeles and back, the city said. 

The new fee was approved by the Raleigh City Council on June 9 as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget.

You may be interested:  New tax will increase Uber, Lyft, and taxi fares in North Carolina.

Why are water rates increasing? 

Infrastructure in need of repair includes pipelines criticisms installed after the Second World War. 

If not replaced, they could lead to water main breaks and environmental consequences, according to the city. 

Raleigh Water said these changes are crucial because they operate by recovering costs through utility rates and fees, rather than sales or property taxes.

Additionally, this department of the Raleigh city government provides essential services to the capital and six merger communities.

The region's growth has required continued expansion and maintenance of infrastructure.

Last year alone, the team inspected 26,050 hydrants and added 3,358 new ones since 2019 while responding to 223 water main breaks.

Related:  New to Durham? Here's how to apply for drinking water service.

How can you reduce your bill? 

The city recommends some simple practices to help users control their costs:

  • Repair water leaks as soon as they are detected
  • Use efficient appliances
  • Be aware of daily consumption

In addition, help is available: customers who are struggling to pay their bills can access programs financial assistance through Wake County Health & Human Services.

After the storm

A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity. 

🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.

▶️Press play to listen!

Youtube video

Creative Commons License

Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.

Kevin Alexander Perla Martinez is a senior at the Southern School of Energy & Sustainability in Durham, North Carolina. Kevin is an intern for the Enlace Student Program...

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *