BEDFORD – The City of Bedford has approved a series of utility rate increases that will take effect in early 2026, impacting residential water, sewer, and trash service bills for city customers.
According to the rate increase notification, the approved water rate increase was adopted under Ordinance 22-2025 and will appear on bills issued January 20, 2026, with payment due February 5, 2026. For an average residential household of four using approximately 4,000 gallons of water per month, the water rate will increase from $25.34 to $33.34, representing an $8.00 monthly increase.
The city has also approved the third phase of a sewer rate increase under Ordinance 4-2024. This increase will appear on February 20, 2026 billing statements, with payment due March 5, 2026. Based on average residential usage, the sewer rate will rise from $58.83 to $62.36, resulting in an additional $3.53 per month.
In addition, residential trash service rates will increase under the third phase of Ordinance 21-2023. That change will be reflected on bills issued December 20, 2025, and due January 5, 2026. The monthly trash rate will increase by $0.50, from $16.00 to $16.50.
The notification also includes a water rate comparison showing Bedford’s updated rates alongside surrounding communities. As of June 2025 data, Bedford’s new water rate remains lower than several neighboring areas, including Mitchell, North Lawrence, and South Lawrence, when comparing usage of 5,000 gallons with a standard 5/8-inch meter.
City officials note that the increases are based on average residential usage and may vary depending on individual consumption. Residents with questions about the changes are encouraged to review their utility usage and contact the city for additional information ahead of the 2026 billing cycle.
