August Utility Bills Include New Tiered Residential Water Rates

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Residential customers may notice a slight difference in their typical utility bills this month as bills begin reflecting the new tiered water rate structure. The tiered water rates were approved as part of the 2026–2027 budget and became effective July 1.

The implementation of tiered water rates is designed to help residents on fixed incomes and those who conserve water. Residential customers who use 3,000 gallons of water or less each month will pay a lower rate and save about $2 per month on the water and sewer portion of their bill. About 60% of the City’s residential customers fall into this group. When water use exceeds 3,000 gallons, the excess is billed at the higher rate.

Bills rendered after August 1 reflect a 5% increase in the water and sewer rate for all customers, as well as a $1 increase in the recycling fee and a $1 increase in the solid waste fee. The basic service cost — the flat monthly fee paid by all water customers — is also increasing by 5%. These increases were necessary due to rising costs associated with treating water and wastewater, as well as other inflationary pressures.

Under the new tiered rate system, some residents will see a decrease in their water and sewer rates. However, residents who use 3,000 gallons or less per month can expect their total monthly utility bill to increase by about $1.15 due to increases in water, sewer, and solid waste charges.

The Goldsboro City Council has long been interested in offering tiered rates to customers and made this change a priority for the 2026–2027 budget. The Finance Department worked diligently to make the necessary modifications to the existing billing system to implement the new rate structure.

“I appreciate the City Council working to balance the needs of the city’s water and sewer infrastructure and the citizens’ desire to keep water and sewer rates at reasonable levels, especially for those on a fixed income who are too often forced to make very difficult decisions,” said City Manager Matt Livingston. “This also helps us promote the conservation of clean drinking water, which is a finite resource and has become increasingly important during persistent drought conditions that we continue to experience.”