Why Is My Water Bill Going Up? Understanding the 2026 ACSA Water Rate Increase

What Affects the Cost of Water in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

You don’t think about your water unless something changes.

It’s one of the few things in your home that just works. You turn on the tap, and it’s there — clean, safe and reliable.

That kind of reliability doesn’t happen by accident. It also doesn’t maintain itself.

Behind the scenes, it takes ongoing water infrastructure investment to keep our systems running smoothly and plan for the future in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. These water and sewer costs are shared across the community, including by the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), which works to manage them carefully over time.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the proposed ACSA water rate increase will take effect to support that long-term reliability. If you’re wondering how this will affect your monthly bill, you’re not alone. Read on for a clear look at the proposed changes.

What Is the 2026 ACSA Water Rate Increase?

For the average residential customer, proposed local water rates will increase by about 9.4% or roughly $7 more per month — about 24 cents per day.

The ACSA has worked to limit the impact where possible while still supporting critical water system upgrades.

How the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Impacts Local Water Rates

A significant portion of the ACSA’s costs — about 67% — comes from our regional partner, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA), which manages the RWSA water system.

As the RWSA invests in major water system upgrades, costs are increasing. While the ACSA works to absorb and manage as much of these increases as possible, a portion must still be reflected in local water rates.

What your water bill pays for is largely infrastructure: the systems that deliver clean water to your home and safely carry it away.

Over the next five years, more than $604 million is being invested in regional water infrastructure. Curious about what’s happening across the community? You can explore the 2027 Capital Improvement Program Projects on our website. 

Improvements include:

• Upgrading aging infrastructure
• Expanding capacity to support growth
• Improving system reliability and redundancy
• Meeting state and federal safety standards

These investments do more than maintain the system. They protect local water resources, support long-term environmental sustainability and ensure future generations have access to safe, reliable water.

Locally, the ACSA also continues to invest in water system upgrades, technology and customer service improvements to better serve the community.What this means for you: These projects are designed to reduce service disruptions, maintain water quality and ensure the system can meet both current needs and future demand — so that when you turn on the tap, it works as expected.

How to Reduce Your Water Bill and Manage Water and Sewer Costs

Looking to reduce your water bill? Small changes in water use can help. The ACSA offers resources to support more efficient water use and help manage monthly water and sewer costs. This includes water conservation programs like rain barrel rebates, low-flow toilet rebates and free water conservation kits available for pickup.

If you have questions about your bill or want help understanding your usage, you can also contact the ACSA billing team at 434-977-4511.

A Shared Investment in Reliable Water Service

The Albemarle County Service Authority remains committed to providing safe, high-quality water while managing water and sewer costs responsibly.

That means making careful decisions about when and how to manage water infrastructure investment, as well as how much of those costs to absorb before passing any portion along to customers. The ACSA works to manage and phase these increases over time rather than shifting the full burden all at once.

Reliable water isn’t something you think about — until you have to. By investing in thoughtful water infrastructure now, the ACSA helps protect water resources and ensure reliable service for years to come.

The ACSA also encourages community involvement in the process. There will be a budget workshop in May and a public hearing in June, where customers can ask questions and share input before proposed rates are officially adopted. More details, including dates and times, will be available soon, and participation will be offered both in person and virtually.

FAQs: 2026 ACSA Water Rate Increase

Why is my water bill going up?

The Albemarle water rate increase is driven by rising regional treatment costs and ongoing water infrastructure investment. As systems age and communities grow, maintaining safe, reliable service requires continued upgrades and improvements.

Is the ACSA passing all increased costs on to customers?

No. The ACSA works to absorb and manage as much of these rising water and sewer costs as possible. Proposed rate adjustments reflect only a portion of the overall increase, helping balance system needs with customer impact.

What does my water bill pay for?

Your bill supports essential services, including water treatment, delivery, wastewater collection, and ongoing water system upgrades. It also helps fund long-term water infrastructure investment to keep systems reliable and compliant with safety standards.

Why do utilities raise water rates regularly?

Utilities adjust local water rates over time to account for inflation, aging infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and increased demand. Proactive investment helps avoid larger, more costly repairs in the future.

How can I reduce my water bill?

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water bill, small changes like fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and adjusting daily usage, can make a difference. The ACSA also offers resources to help customers manage their water and sewer costs more efficiently.