Halifax Water's water consumption rate climbed from C$1.128 per cubic meter to C$1.722 between the rates in force before January 2026 and those effective April 1, 2026, an increase of 52.7%. The wastewater discharge rate rose 14.7%, from C$2.259 to C$2.591.
Two steps, one decision
The provincial regulator approved the increases on December 16, 2025 and finalized them on January 14, 2026. The estimated average residential bill for water, wastewater and stormwater rose 12.1% in January 2026, or C$9.28 a month, and a further 6% in April, or C$5.11 a month. They were the first increases since April 2023.
Less than the utility asked for
Halifax Water had proposed C$2.273 per cubic meter for water and C$3.003 for wastewater in 2026/27. The regulator declined proposed water and wastewater increases that would have compounded to 35.6% over three months, calling them rate shock.
A budget back in surplus
The 2026/27 budget, based on the approved rates, puts operating revenue at C$220.3 million, up 26.18%, and shows a C$1.4 million surplus after a C$24.3 million regulatory-basis deficit in FY 2025/26. Customer satisfaction with service was 86% in FY 2025/26, against a 95% target.
More to come
On September 29, 2026, Halifax Water filed for increases in the average residential bill of 8.4% from April 1, 2027 and 8.2% from April 1, 2028.
What Halifax Water's long-term debt of C$293.0 million, its C$164.6 million 2026/27 capital plan and its treatment and network assets mean for customers and the region is set out in the full profile. The full report, Utility Intelligence Profile: Halifax Water, is available for USD 99. For a free overview, read the Halifax Water Utility Snapshot.