Water and sewer rates will go up in Wichita next year, but the city plans to continue assistance programs for customers who have been financially struggling.
The water rates will go up 6.25 percent and sewer rates will be 3 percent higher, for a combined increase of 4.95 percent. For low-end water users, that will be an increase of around $2.43 a month. Mid-range water users will have an increase around $3.54 a month, and high-end users will see an increase of around $7.51. Commercial customers will have an increase of about $36.95 a month.
Penny Feist with the city’s public works department said a one-time credit of $36 will be provided for water customers who received assistance from the WERAP rental assistance program or the H2O program this year. She said this will apply to about 1,500 homes in 2023.
Because of underspending in the water department budget, the city will have over $146,000 to allocate to an expanded customer assistance program next year. More details will be released later.
