Durham Regional Council approves 2026 water supply and sanitary sewer user rates

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has approved the 2026 Water Supply and Sanitary Sewer User Rates, with a combined increase of 5 per cent, or approximately $5.24 per month for an average household.

This increase supports accelerated infrastructure needs to meet provincial housing targets, ongoing maintenance and operation of the water supply and sanitary sewer systems, and several major projects including upgrades and expansion of the Whitby Water Supply Plant, and upgrades at the Corbett Creek and Courtice Water Pollution Control Plants.

The approved user rates will take effect on January 1, 2026. Continued investment in the aging municipal water system is required to protect public health and the water environment to meet obligations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Ontario Water Resource Act.

Durham water and sanitary sewer rates are below the average rate for large Ontario municipalities and are reviewed on an annual basis, with recommendations made to Regional Council in December. For more information on Durham Region’s water and sanitary sewer user rate increase and the 2026 consolidated water supply and sanitary sewerage systems business plans and budget, visit durham.ca/budget. Information about Durham Region’s water and sanitary sewer system is available at durham.ca/WaterAndSewer.

Quote:

“Safe drinking water and the protection of our water environment are essential to daily life. Continued investment in these efficient and effective Regional services ensures we deliver safe, reliable, and financially sustainable solutions for our residents and growing communities as mandated by the Province of Ontario in the Clean Water Act.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

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For media inquiries, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.