Norfolk County residents will see a 10.3 per cent increase in water and wastewater rates starting in January 2026, bringing the average annual household bill to approximately $1,948.
The adjustment comes as the county faces mounting infrastructure costs and the need to replace decades-old systems that serve much of its population.
Mayor Amy Martin acknowledged the financial strain saying no one is happy about the increase — not council, not staff, and certainly not our residents.
According to county staff, the vast majority of the increase is tied to just fixing up the existing infrastructure, not because of new growth.
The 2026 capital budget includes $8.5 million in water and wastewater projects, including rehabilitation of the Port Dover water tower, upgrades to sewage pumping stations, and ongoing work in Simcoe and Port Rowan.
Over the next decade, the county plans to invest $416 million in total capital upgrades.
So, Martin said new people moving to the area is not the issue, it’s the past that is coming back to bite us.
Martin added that the county continues to press provincial and federal governments for more financial support.
While officials recognize the increase may be hard for households to absorb, they maintain that long-term reliability and public health depend on modern, properly maintained systems.