Brace yourselves, Harrisburg residents—your water and sewer bills are about to get a lot more expensive. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this rate hike a necessary evil or a burden too heavy to bear? Starting next year, households will see a more than 6% increase in their monthly bills, translating to roughly an extra $6.06 per month. For context, if your bill was $95.76 this year, it’ll jump to $101.82 in 2025. And this isn’t the first time—rates rose by 3.7% last year, making this the latest in a series of annual hikes by Capital Region Water.
The utility’s argument? This extra revenue is critical to fund urgent infrastructure projects, like the much-needed renovations at the DeHart Dam in Dauphin County. According to CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer, the dam’s poor condition poses a serious risk. ‘If it fails, lives could be at stake,’ she warns. ‘This isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about preventing a potential disaster.’ But here’s the part most people miss: the funds are also tied to a legal settlement aimed at reducing wastewater and sewage overflow into the Susquehanna River during heavy rains. With electric costs doubling for the utility, these projects are non-negotiable.
Here’s the kicker: While no one disputes the importance of safe infrastructure, some residents are questioning whether the burden should fall entirely on them. Are there other ways to fund these projects? Should the utility explore alternative solutions before raising rates again? We want to hear from you: Do you think this rate hike is justified, or is it too much, too soon? Let us know in the comments below. One thing’s for sure—this issue is far from over, and the conversation is just beginning.
