(Des Moines, IA ) -- A rate hike for Des Moines Water Works customers is coming in 2026. Most customers will see an increase on their bill of about 7%. This applies to roughly 600-thousand customers in Des Moines and some surrounding communities.
"While we know customers experience different financial situations, the study found DMWW rates meet widely used affordability standards. We assist customers who have difficulty paying their bill by offering pay arrangements or referring them to community agencies who can provide assistance."
-Des Moines Water Works
The new rates go into effect January 1. The utility says the increase is needed to cover treating water, expanding facilities and addressing water quality issues.
In a news release to NewsRadio 1040 WHO, DMWW highlighted some of the changes coming.
- Customers in most communities we serve, including Des Moines, are seeing a 7% increase in the volume rate. A few areas where we are not fully recovering costs will see a 10% increase.
- The fixed meter availability fee for residential customers is increasing from $6 to $7 per month. Larger meters for commercial and industrial customers are increasing more. The availability fee captures readiness-to-serve costs such as the cost of metering and meter reading, billing, customer service, etc that are incurred regardless of how much water customers use.
- Commercial and industrial customers who are using water outside to irrigate will pay an irrigation rate of $10.70 in Des Moines in 2026. This irrigation rate varies by service area. Residential customers pay a comparable rate for lawn watering.