SEPT. 21, 2026 UPDATE: DeLand leaders unanimously voted to raise water and wastewater rates at a meeting Monday.
The increase will help pay for some $250 million in utility projects for the city, including repairs to aging infrastructure, expanding a wastewater plant, and upgrades meant to meet new federal PFAS drinking water standards, required by 2031.
ORIGINAL STORY
DeLand could soon raise water and wastewater rates as the city prepares for hundreds of millions of dollars in utility improvements — and residents are split on the idea.
The city has identified roughly $250 million in projects needed through 2036, including aging infrastructure repairs, a wastewater plant expansion and upgrades to meet new federal drinking water standards. The proposal is expected to go before the DeLand City Commission on Monday.
Not everyone is on board with the idea of paying more each month.
“It sucks because people who are having a hard enough time keeping afloat, raising our bills is not going to make us happy,” said Dawn, a DeLand resident.
Others say they understand the need, even if it stings financially.
“We all want clean water, and I’m willing to pay for it if that’s what we need to do,” said Erica, a DeLand resident.
Under the proposal, rates would increase 8%, with the first adjustment taking effect Oct. 1, 2026, if the City Commission approves it Monday. Monthly bills could jump between $85 and $115 by 2031, according to a city rate chart. The city has secured some grant funding, but residents would still shoulder much of the cost.
Officials warn that delaying the work could result in fines, legal costs or regulatory action if pollution occurs or environmental requirements aren’t met. A city spokesperson provided a statement outlining the rationale behind the increases.
“DeLand’s Utilities rates are proposed to increase by 8%. The increase, which would go into effect starting October 1, 2026 if approved by the City Commission at Monday’s Commission Meeting, is based on an independent study that calculated the anticipated costs of keeping the City’s utilities system safe and operational through 2036. The increase would fund roughly $250 million in needed work, including aging infrastructure repairs and wastewater plant expansion. A significant portion of the increase goes toward important upgrades needed to meet new federal PFAS drinking water standards, required by 2031. DeLand’s rates remain among the most affordable in the region. Rather than waiting for costs to pile up and issuing one large increase, the city is phasing in smaller, gradual adjustments over several years to keep bills manageable for residents.”
Erica said she’s come to terms with the possibility of higher bills.
“I understand there’s a chance we’ll be paying more for our water, but based on what I’ve heard, I think it sounds necessary,” she said.
But Dawn remains skeptical about where the money is going.
“Unfortunately, every street you go down there working on our streets. For what? So you can raise the bills as little people, as little people who have a hard enough time finding out where you going to get groceries from,” she said.
The proposal would also raise one-time connection fees for new development by roughly $4,000 for water service. Those charges are separate from the monthly bills paid by existing customers. The DeLand City Commission is expected to consider the full proposal Monday night.