Waterbury Caps Water, Sewer, Permit Fees for 2027

The Waterbury Board of Aldermen approved the 2027 municipal fee schedule on July 7, which sets maximum annual increases for water, sewer and building permit charges at 2.8 percent. The change applies to all residential accounts in the city, including single-family homes in the Brooklyn and Waterville neighborhoods and multi-unit buildings downtown.

Waterbury residents pay these fees directly through quarterly utility bills or permit applications, and the cap replaces an earlier formula tied to inflation plus 1 percent. City budget documents from the finance department show the prior structure produced average annual increases of 4.1 percent over the past three years.

Effect on household payments

Under the new schedule an average single-family home using 7,500 gallons of water per quarter will see its combined water and sewer bill rise by no more than $11 annually, according to projections prepared by the public works department. Families applying for driveway or fence permits will pay the same $75 base fee set in 2025 rather than a higher amount indexed to construction costs.

Local advocates note that many Waterbury households allocate between $1,800 and $2,200 each year to municipal utilities and permits. The 2.8 percent ceiling is projected to keep total outlays for these items below $2,300 for most accounts through 2028.

Implementation timeline

The finance department will mail updated rate notices to all residential accounts by October 15. Property owners can review the full fee schedule on the city website or request a printed copy at the municipal building on Grand Street. Appeals for hardship adjustments remain available through the existing water abatement program administered by the tax collector.

City staff will report actual collections under the new schedule to the Board of Aldermen in the first quarterly budget update of 2027.