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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Residents and businesses in High Springs will see changes to their utility bills after the City Commission voted Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, to adopt updated water and sewer rates as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The new rates, approved unanimously by commissioners, keep monthly water service charges steady for most customers but raise sewer base charges significantly and increase costs associated with hydrant meters and new water connections.

Sewer Rates See Largest Jump

The most significant adjustments affect sewer service. Residential customers will see the base monthly charge—including up to 5,000 gallons—rise from $44.05 to $68.30. Commercial and multi-family customers will see their charge increase from $57.29 to $81.54.

Despite the base rate increases, the usage fee for water over 5,000 gallons remains unchanged at $7.96 per 1,000 gallons.

Water Rates Remain Stable for Daily Users

For households and businesses, the structure of tiered water usage charges will remain the same in FY26. The monthly customer charge stays at $15.55, and the four-tier usage schedule—ranging from $3.12 per 1,000 gallons for the first 3,000 gallons to $4.15 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 15,000 gallons—will not change.

Hydrant Meter Costs Increase

Contractors and others who rely on temporary hydrant meters will face steep increases. The city will begin charging $125 for installation and removal, a service that was previously free. Deposits will jump from $100 to $500, and the monthly base charge will rise from $15.55 to $40.00. The per-gallon usage rate for hydrant meter water will also increase, from $3.25 to $3.80 per 1,000 gallons.

Impact Fees Adjusted

New connection fees were also restructured. Water connection impact fees will double from $250 to $500, while sewer connection fees will be reduced sharply, from $2,120 to $240.

The city’s disconnect/reconnect fee for nonpayment or tampering remains at $50.

Next Steps

The new rates will take effect with the start of the 2026 fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2025. Commissioners said the adjustments reflect the rising costs of maintaining water and sewer systems while ensuring long-term stability for the city’s utilities.

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