BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Residents in Bellingham will see a moderate hike in their utility bills starting on Thursday.

Bellingham City Council voted in July to increase water service costs starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

Water customers will see an average increase of just over 13%, with additional increases planned in each of the next two years.

The city says a typical single-family household within city limits should expect an increase of $18-25 per month. Commercial, multi-family and customers outside city limits will likely see higher increases.

According to Public Works, the rate increase will help the city keep up with necessary maintenance and upgrades for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems.

In an effort to ease the financial burden to families, the city has expanded eligibility for rate reductions.