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The CFPUA Board on Wednesday approved the organization’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) operating budget, which totals $129.35 million, a 7.8 percent increase over the FY25 budget.  

The key driver of the FY26 operating budget and rate increases is the upcoming project to replace and expand CFPUA’s Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant (SSWWTP) on River Road. Estimated to cost $400 million, this critical project will replace the 53-year-old plant and add needed wastewater treatment capacity. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. 

Under the FY26 budget, the average residential customer’s monthly bill for combined water and sewer services will increase by $5.12, or 6.9 percent, starting with services delivered July 1, 2025. 

The table below summarizes the difference between the FY25 and the FY26 budgets:  

Other adjustments to CFPUA rates and fees in the FY26 budget include: 

• Irrigation Rate: The rate CFPUA charges customers who have a separate water meter for irrigation will increase to $7.73 per 1,000 gallons, compared with $4.86 per 1,000 gallons currently. This rate change will be in effect July 1, 2025. Customer demand for water increases by as much as 50 percent during the summer months due to irrigation, and seasonal peaks can accelerate the need for costly system expansions. CFPUA is a not-for-profit, local government organization, with operating costs and infrastructure investments funded by ratepayers. Customers are encouraged to visit CFPUA.org/Conserve for tips on wise irrigation practices. 
• Printed Bill Fee: Starting January 1, 2026, customers who receive a monthly paper bill from CFPUA will be charged $1 per printed bill. This fee is driven by increasing printing and postage costs. Customers are encouraged to sign up for free paperless billing at CFPUA.org/Online.  

CFPUA also will close its downtown Customer Service lobby in the City of Wilmington’s Skyline Center on June 27 due to significantly decreased foot traffic in recent years. Closing the downtown lobby is expected to save approximately $75,000 in annual operating costs. In-person services will continue to be offered at CFPUA’s Customer Service Center at 235 Government Center Drive.