Effective January 1, 2026, the City of Rossland will be implementing updated water and sewer utility rates for all properties connected to municipal services.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2025
City of Rossland Updated Water and Sewer Utility Rates for 2026–2027
Rossland, BC — Effective January 1, 2026, the City of Rossland will be implementing updated water and sewer utility rates for all properties connected to municipal services. These changes, which have been previously outlined in our preliminary 2026–2030 Five-Year Financial Plan discussions to date, are essential to maintaining sustainable service levels, renewing aging infrastructure, and meeting long-term asset management goals of our community.
Why Are Rates Increasing?
These rate adjustments are a critical component of Rossland’s holistic strategy to fund asset renewal, prioritize infrastructure investments, and ensure a safe and reliable service delivery models for core services. The adjustments form part of a comprehensive strategy to:
- Fund critical asset renewal and infrastructure replacement in an appropriate manner,
- Ensure safe and reliable service delivery for all residents, businesses and users,
- Continue to meet all regulatory standards and requirements, and
- Reduce costly emergency repairs.
Key Rate Changes:
Rossland’s water and sewer systems operate on a user-pay model, meaning costs are borne by those who use the services—not through general taxation.
Under the Water Rate (2026–2027) Bylaw No. 2860, 2025, general base water rates will increase by 10% in both 2026 and 2027 effective January 1st of that respective year, where a typical single-family residential household will see the following estimated impacts:
| Year | Monthly Water (Metered) | Average Annual Water Bill
**(Base rate + average household consumption) |
| 2025 | $25.89 | $490.76 |
| 2026 | $28.48 | $538.21 |
| 2027 | $31.33 | $590.42 |
Additionally, households with secondary suites, multi-family units, and commercial properties will see proportional increases as outlined in Schedule “A” of the bylaw. Metered consumption rates will also increase modestly in 2027 to encourage water conservation and reflect the true treatment, storage and distribution costs of the service.
Under the Sewer Rate (2026-2027) Bylaw No. 2859, 2025 sewer rates will increase in both 2026 and 2027 respectively. As there are two components to this charge (Municipal and Regional), a typical residential single-family home will generally see the following estimated impacts:
| Year | Total Residential Single (Monthly) | Municipal Sewer | Regional Sewer | Annual Amount |
| 2025 | $37.81 | $17.18 | $20.63 | $453.72 |
| 2026 | $52.94 | $18.90 | $34.04 | $635.28 |
| 2027 | $58.23 | $20.79 | $37.44 | $698.81 |
This represents an increase of 10% in both 2026 and 2027 for Municipal Sewer charges and a 65% increase in 2026 and further 10% increase in 2027 for Regional Sewer charges.
Understanding the Difference: Municipal vs. Regional (Sewer Rates)
- Municipal Sewer covers local collection system costs, including maintenance and replacement of municipal sewer lines and infrastructure, local inspection, service connections, and operating costs for the City’s part of the sanitary sewer network.
- Regional Sewer (RDKB) represents Rossland’s share of shared regional wastewater services, including conveyance and treatment costs within regional wastewater infrastructure and/or facilities. The current construction of the Columbia Pollution Control Centre (CPCC) is a specific driver in relation to the substantial 2026 increase to the Regional Sewer rate.
- Both of these service components ensure wastewater is safely collected, transported, treated and disposed.
In addition to above, to help accommodate the Regional Sewer rate increase, the City will be using funds already set aside in its Regional Sewer Utility Reserve Fund ($164,000 in 2026 and $180,000 in 2027) to assist in smoothing out costs related to the required CPCC upgrades. These reserves were established in 2018 specifically to manage this expected increase and help lessen the impact on residents.
Our Commitment to You
The City of Rossland remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable water and sewer services for all residents. These investments today ensure a stronger, more resilient system for generations to come—supporting community health, environmental stewardship, and long-term affordability.
Learn More
Residents are encouraged to review the full bylaws for detailed rate information and/or to contact City Hall with any questions or concerns. Bylaws can be found by visiting: https://rossland.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/51848/
For more information:
City of Rossland
Phone: 250-362-7396
Web: www.rossland.ca
