Information on Upcoming Rate Changes

On October 10, 2024, the Loudoun Water Board of Directors passed a Resolution of Intent to revise water and sewer rates each year for the next three years for all current and future metered customers. The proposed rate changes will become effective January 1, 2025; January 1, 2026; and January 1, 2027. More information regarding the proposed rates, including a Rate Summary Report, can be found HERE.

Si usted necesita ayuda interpretando este contenido o si tiene una pregunta en referencia a la audiencia pública con respecto al aumento de las tarifas en los servicios, por favor contacte a nuestro Departamento de Relaciones Públicas llamando al 571.291.7880.

A formal public hearing was held on November 14, 2024. An additional formal public hearing was held on December 4, 2024 to receive public comment on the proposed rates. 

At its December 12, 2024, meeting, the Loudoun Water Board approved final rates.

  • Proposed water and sewer usage rates represent a 7.0% increase each year for the next three years.
  • Basic water and basic sewer charges for residential customers are proposed to increase 7.0% each for the next three years.
  • Basic water and basic sewer charges for all meter sizes greater than 5/8” are proposed to increase 7.0% for the next three years.
  • No change in rate structure is proposed.
  • Your billing frequency will not change.

A key element of providing clean drinking water and protecting the environment is ensuring that Loudoun Water’s infrastructure is maintained and in good working condition.  This requires a significant capital investment every year. The proposed rate increases are primarily driven by:

  • Significant capital program (system replacement and expansion)
  • Actual cost escalation (ex., power and chemicals) is considerably higher than prior forecasting
  • Recent rate increases have been well below the cost increases mentioned above (rate increase for 2021, 2022 and 2023 were 3% annually)
  • Funding the repair and replacement reserve
  • Increases in purchased water, purchased sewer services and other operating costs

Loudoun Water does not receive any tax dollars from Loudoun County Government. Loudoun Water is funded solely by User Rates and Fees and Availability Fees.

A revenue sufficiency analysis was completed for a ten-year period covering 2025 to 2034.  The revenue sufficiency analysis was used to determine if Loudoun Water’s current rates, fees and charges will be adequate to meet the system revenue requirements (operating expenditures, debt service and capital investments) over the planning period.  The revenue requirements were developed based on Loudoun Water’s budget documents, capital improvement program and assumed cost escalation factors.  

The revenue sufficiency analysis reveals that Loudoun Water’s revenues generated from current rates and fees will not be sufficient to meet the annual revenue requirements of the water and sewer system.  If additional revenues are not generated over the planning period, Loudoun Water will not be able to provide adequate funds to meet the revenue requirements and will draw the cash balance below the minimum balance requirement established by Loudoun Water.

With the increase, a typical residential customer bill based on 21,000 gallons will be $256.75 per billing quarter for 2025. This is an increase of $16.83 per billing quarter. Loudoun Water’s rates are still very competitive in the region and rates are consistently lower than our peers.

There are ways to minimize the impact of the proposed rates on your household budget. For example, scrutinize your water use, fix all leaks, and pay particular attention to irrigation and other outdoor water use. Please visit the wise water use page on our website.

The rates and fee structure for all current and future metered customers is below:

 

The wastewater charge for all residential customers with an established winter quarter average* will be limited to the lesser of (1) the customer’s actual quarterly usage or (2) the customer’s winter quarter usage plus 3,000 gallons. The wastewater charge for residential customers who have not established a winter quarter average will be limited to the lesser of (1) the customer’s actual quarterly usage or (2) 25,000 gallons.
* Winter quarter is defined as any quarterly billing period based on meter readings obtained or estimated in the months of February through April.

Customers receiving wastewater service only and obtaining water from sources other than Loudoun Water shall install a water meter on their water supply which will be read as a basis for continuing service charges.

For customers with partial billing periods (i.e., less than 75 days for a quarterly bill), the basic charge will be prorated based on the number of days service is rendered during the billing cycle.

We remain committed to providing you cost-effective water services. We continue to plan for and manage a sustainable, reliable water system that protects long-term quality of life in Loudoun County.