LEWISTON, Maine – Just weeks after Lewiston property owners received revaluation notices, residents are now being warned of another increase hitting their wallets: higher water and sewer rates.
According to a public hearing notice issued by the City of Lewiston Water Division, the city is seeking approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission for revised water rates that would take effect August 17, 2026.
City officials say the proposed increase is necessary to cover operational and maintenance costs, along with rising debt service and depreciation expenses. The notice states the city has not increased water rates in five years, with the current rates having remained unchanged since July 1, 2021.
The proposed rate adjustment would generate an additional $834,231 in annual revenue, roughly a 10 percent increase overall.
Under the proposal, residential customers would see an average increase of 10.4 percent. Commercial customers would see rates rise by 10.7 percent, industrial users by 11.1 percent, and public authorities by 10.5 percent. Public fire protection rates would increase the most, jumping 22.7 percent.
The notice also provides estimated quarterly increases based on average usage levels. Residential customers using approximately 2,200 cubic feet of water would see bills rise by about $9.50 per quarter. Commercial users averaging 8,200 cubic feet would see increases of roughly $30.50 quarterly, while industrial users could face increases exceeding $127 per quarter.
A public hearing on the proposed rate increase is scheduled for July 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Lewiston City Council Chambers at City Hall on Pine Street.
Residents also have the option to petition the Public Utilities Commission for a formal review of the increase. The notice states that if at least 1,000 customers file petitions within 30 days of the public hearing, the proposed rate changes could be suspended and reviewed by the commission.
The rate increase comes amid broader concerns over rising costs for Lewiston residents, many of whom are already dealing with higher property valuations following the city’s recent revaluation notices.
In a social media post circulating online, one resident noted that water and sewer rate increase notices were reportedly mailed shortly after the revaluation notices went out earlier this year. The resident also pointed out that an earlier public hearing had originally been scheduled for May 19, with the initial proposed effective date listed as July 1 before later shifting to August.
“Apparently everything is proceeding,” the resident wrote. “So rates will jump by a little more (10.4%) and become effective a little later (August 2026).”
For many residents, the proposed increase is being viewed as yet another blow to a city already struggling with mounting challenges. Along with sharply rising property valuations, Lewiston has faced ongoing concerns over gun violence, teen violence, crime, and litter issues that many residents say continue to impact neighborhoods across the city.
The proposed increases are now moving through the PUC review process as residents prepare for another potential increase in household expenses.
