Utility Rate Increases: What your bill could look like in 2025 to 2027
Lee County Utilities rate increases for 2025-2027: Residential water rates up 12%, wastewater rates up 15%, and impact fees rising 8% annually. See how your monthly bill will change and what drives the costs.
Key Takeaways
- 1Average residential bill will increase from $85/month (2024) to $98/month (2027) - a 15% total increase
- 2Water rates increasing 4% in 2025, 4% in 2026, 4% in 2027 (12% total) due to infrastructure upgrades
- 3Wastewater rates rising 5% annually (15% total) for treatment plant modernization and compliance
- 4New development impact fees increasing 8% yearly to fund growth-related infrastructure
- 5Commercial customers face larger increases: 18% for water, 20% for wastewater over three years
Residential Rate Schedule Changes
| Service | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate | 2027 Rate | Total Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (per 1,000 gal) | $3.45 | $3.59 | $3.73 | $3.87 | +12% |
| Wastewater (per 1,000 gal) | $5.82 | $6.11 | $6.42 | $6.74 | +15% |
| Base Monthly Fee | $18.50 | $19.25 | $20.00 | $20.80 | +12% |
What Changed Since 2024
- Infrastructure investment - $45M allocated for water main replacements and treatment plant upgrades
- Regulatory compliance - New EPA wastewater treatment standards requiring $28M in facility improvements
- Growth funding - Impact fee increases to support utility expansion in Lehigh Acres and south Fort Myers
Where the Data Came From
Official residential and commercial rate schedules with adopted increases through 2027
Impact fees and capacity charges for new development connections
What This Means for Residents
For Homeowners
Average monthly utility bill increase of $13 by 2027. Budget for higher costs during summer usage peaks.
For Renters
Landlords may pass utility increases through rent adjustments. Review lease terms for utility cost provisions.
For Business Owners
Commercial rates increasing 18-20%. Consider water conservation measures and efficiency upgrades.
Next Steps: How to Manage Costs
Review Your Current Usage
Check your utility bills for water consumption patterns. The average household uses 6,000 gallons monthly.
Consider Conservation
Water-efficient fixtures can reduce usage by 20-30%. Lee County offers rebates for qualifying upgrades.
Budget for Increases
Plan for 4-5% annual increases in utility costs through 2027. Consider automatic payment setup to avoid late fees.
Attend Public Hearings
Lee County Utilities holds quarterly rate review meetings. Check the rate schedule page for schedules.
Estimate Your Future Bill
Current Monthly Usage
Projected Monthly Bills
*Based on average residential usage of 6,000 gallons water and 5,000 gallons wastewater monthly.
How We Verify This Data
Rate schedules are verified through Lee County Utilities' official rate schedule documentation and adopted fee schedules. Impact fee calculations are cross-referenced with the county's Capacity and Misc Fee Schedule PDF. All projections use the officially adopted rates through 2027.