Houston County set to increase water usage rates in July, Chairman explains 

HOUSTON COUNTY — Starting on July 1, 2026, Houston County will increase water rates as part of the second step in its three-year water adjustment plan. Before February 2025, they had not adjusted rates since 2006. 

The initial rate adjustment was approved in 2025 and was the largest adjustment as part of the plan. There will then be smaller adjustments in 2026 and 2027. 

“In 2026, the change is much smaller, as we are not adjusting the base rate,” Chairman Dan Perdue said. 

In 2025, the base rate was increased from $9 to $14. The next two years will see the usage rate slightly increase for citizens. 

Perdue said the base rate includes 2,500 gallons. From using 2,500 gallons to 10,000, residents are to pay $2 dollars per thousand as part of the usage rate. In two months, that rate will increase by 25 cents.  

Chairman Dan Perdue said the cost to operate the water system while serving existing customers almost doubled. 

“In our 2024 and 2025 audits, both showed an operational loss to the water system, which is keeping the pumps running and things like that,” he said. “The fact that we were seeing operational losses in our water system, we would need to make a rate adjustment.” 

The county was investing heavily into their water funds by using ARPA funds. Perdue said their water fund is also an enterprise fund. 

“[The water fund] does not get any property tax dollars nor does it give money to the General Fund,” he said. “Our goal is to not make money, but our goal is that we don’t pull money out of the water system to fund the General Fund and [vice versa].” 

With any price increase, there is bound to be public backlash. Perdue shared that Houston County’s water rates compared to other surrounding counties are still very competitive in terms of value. 

“We run our water system very efficiently, and we want to ensure that people have the water they need,” he said. 

The county has also implemented a tiered system, which means the more you use, the more you pay per gallon. Perdue said it’s a strong conservation signal to the public. 

“If people will conserve, they can pay less,” he said. 

Water is also needed for emergencies, and Perdue made it clear that the county has to manage the water system closely. 

“We have to manage this system to use it not only to wash your dishes and take a shower, but also to put out fires when they happen,” he said. “We’re doing our best to ensure that those rates are continuing to fund the appropriate operation on our water system so they can continue to provide public safety.” 

The county also changed its connection fees in addition to the usage rates. 

“This effort was to ensure new development and new growth is paying what it takes to invest in the capital infrastructure to support their development and growth,” he said.