The Waterbury Times|City Hall News|Published May 11, 2026

Update May 12, 2026 4:42pm

Proposed Water Rate Increase Raises Broader Questions About Waterbury’s Growth and Infrastructure

By The Waterbury Times

WATERBURY — City officials say a proposed increase in Waterbury water rates is necessary to support aging infrastructure and maintain reliable service, but the proposal is also drawing attention to a larger question facing the city: can Waterbury’s infrastructure keep pace with ongoing downtown redevelopment?

In a statement released this week, Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. defended the proposed rate adjustment, citing more than $32 million in recent water infrastructure investments and rising operational costs.

The proposal would increase the water usage rate from $2.65 per CCF to $3.50 per CCF. Residential quarterly service charges for standard meters would rise from $12 to $24, while larger commercial meters would increase from $12 to $120 per quarter.

According to the city, the average household would see an increase of approximately $130 annually.

“These investments are not optional,” Pernerewski said. “They are necessary to maintain and modernize an aging system, meet operational demands, and ensure we can continue providing reliable water service for generations to come.”

The Mayor emphasized that Waterbury’s water rates have historically remained among the lowest in Connecticut and said the city attempted to balance affordability with long-term infrastructure needs.

At the same time, redevelopment activity continues to reshape parts of downtown Waterbury.

Permit records reviewed by The Waterbury Times show active redevelopment plans at 95 North Main Street involving a proposed 35-apartment conversion project. Nearby at 158 Grand Street, records show a previous change-of-use project tied to a theatre and café concept that opened in early 2025.

As older commercial buildings are converted into residential and mixed-use spaces, questions naturally emerge about the impact increased density may have on city infrastructure, including water demand, parking, fire safety, and long-term system capacity.

Downtown redevelopment projects often move through zoning, building, and fire review processes designed to encourage adaptive reuse of older buildings, particularly within central business districts. However, infrastructure upgrades needed to support long-term growth can carry significant costs.

The city says those costs are now becoming unavoidable.

The proposed rate increase is expected to face public scrutiny, particularly from residents already dealing with rising living expenses and businesses facing higher operational costs.

Pernerewski acknowledged those concerns in his statement, especially for seniors and residents living on fixed incomes.

“Our responsibility is not only to address today’s needs,” the Mayor said, “but also to ensure future generations inherit a system that is dependable, sustainable, and capable of serving the community for decades ahead.”

A public hearing regarding the proposed rate increase is expected before final action is taken.

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Original Reporting

May 11, 2026

Waterbury- Waterbury residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed water rate increase during a public hearing scheduled for today at 6:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers at 235 Grand Street.

The proposal, which is part of the City’s 2026/2027 budget plan, would reportedly raise water rates by approximately 32%. According to estimates shared with residents, the increase could result in an average annual water bill increase of about $400 per household.

City officials are expected to outline the details of the proposal during the hearing, including the rationale behind the rate adjustment and its anticipated impact on infrastructure, operations, and long-term water system maintenance.

Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing, ask questions, and provide public comment before any final decisions are made.

The Waterbury Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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