2026 Rates

Understanding 2026 Rate Increases

As a nonprofit municipal authority, every dollar from your bill goes directly toward maintaining and improving our public water and sewer systems. This includes essential upgrades such as replacing aging infrastructure—pipes, pumps, and treatment equipment—that help ensure safe, reliable service for everyone. These investments are necessary to protect public health and the environment.

To continue providing high-quality service and meet growing infrastructure needs, rates are increasing. We understand that any change in costs can be challenging, and we’re committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of your resources.

The 2026 Budget includes an increase in overall operating costs to address the impacts of inflation, increased staffing, and other cost increases. The 2026 Capital Plan includes significant investment in the future of our community’s water and sewer systems. We’re planning major upgrades to treatment plants and infrastructure, along with important new projects, including lead service line (water pipe) replacements and efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration.

We understand that these improvements require substantial funding, and we’re committed to making these investments responsibly. These projects are essential for the LCA mission to protect public health and the environment.

Public Comments on 2026 Rates

Public comments regarding the 2026 rates may be submitted in writing by emailing info@lehighcountyauthority.org or by regular mail to:

Lehigh County Authority
Attn: 2026 Rates
P.O. Box 3348
Allentown, PA 18106

*All public comments must be received by midnight on December 31, 2025.

Details about 2026 Rates

City of Allentown Division

LCA operates the City of Allentown’s water and sewer systems under the terms of a Lease Agreement with the City, which includes details about how your rates are increased each year. As a result, the Allentown Division rates will increase in 2026, depending on customer usage and meter size. Specific details regarding rate changes are available here: City Rate Details

Below is a billing sample for a typical residential customer with a 5/8″ meter using 15,000 gallons of water. The total customer impact in this example is $74.32 per year, which breaks down to $18.58 per quarter ($6.19 per month).

Table titled “What does it mean? Billing Example – Residential Bill for 15,000 Gallons per Quarter” comparing 2025 and 2026 quarterly water and sewer charges. Rows list Fixed Charge – Water (.57 in 2025, .28 in 2026), Water Volume Charge (.78 vs .36), Water Capital Cost (.11 vs .31), Fixed Charge – Sewer (.75 vs .38), Sewer Flow Charge (.83 vs .85), Sewer Capital Cost (.45 vs .80), and Admin Order Fee (.05 vs .14). Total Quarterly Bill increases from 0.54 in 2025 to 9.12 in 2026. Annual Water & Sewer Bill increases from ,042.16 to ,116.48. A callout on the right with a house and water drop icon states: “Total customer impact: .32 per year, 7.1% increase.”

Suburban Division

Water Rates

Proposed 2026 water rates for Suburban Division customers were presented to our Board in October 2025. Both the volume and fixed charges are changing, and the average customer bill is expected to increase by approximately 4%. The actual increase to your bill will depend on your water usage.
Specific details regarding water rate changes are available here: Suburban Rate Details.

Below is a billing sample for a typical residential customer with a 5/8″ meter using 15,000 gallons of water. The total customer impact in this example is $15.20 per year, which breaks down to $3.80 per quarter ($1.27 per month).

There is no rate change for Welshtown Road customers.

Proposed 2026 suburban water average bill rises 4%. An example shows a bill rising from .80 to .60 quarterly and from 9.20 to 4.40 annually. A note at the bottom reads "Actual percentage change in each customer's water bill will vary based on water usage."

Suburban Division Sewer Rates


Special Sewer Districts – There are no sewer rate changes for Washington Township or Western Weisenberg (Arcadia West).

Common Rate 1 – Collection Only: Upper Milford, Weisenberg & Lowhill Townships

Below is a billing sample for a typical residential customer using 15,000 gallons of water. The total customer impact in this example is $12.00 per year, which breaks down to $3.00 per quarter.

Graphic titled “2026 Rates – Suburban Wastewater – Proposed” showing average residential sewer charges for 15,000 gallons per quarter in Upper Milford, Weisenberg, and Lowhill Townships. The quarterly sewer bill increases from .95 in 2025 to .95 in 2026, and the annual bill rises from 5.80 to 7.80, a .00 (3.4%) increase. A note states actual changes may vary based on usage.



Common Rate 2 – Collection & Treatment: Wynnewood Terrace, Heidelberg Heights, Sand Spring & Lynn Township

Below is a billing sample for a typical residential customer using 15,000 gallons of water. The total customer impact in this example is $36.00 per year, which breaks down to $9.00 per quarter.

Graphic titled “2026 Rates – Suburban Wastewater – Proposed” for Common Rate 2 areas (Wynnewood Terrace, Heidelberg Heights, Sand Spring, and Lynn Township). It shows average residential sewer charges for 15,000 gallons per quarter. The quarterly sewer bill increases from 3.95 in 2025 to 2.95 in 2026, and the annual bill rises from 5.80 to 1.80, a .00 (5.5%) increase. A note says actual changes may vary based on metered usage.

LCA takes the responsibility to protect the public’s health and our environment very seriously, and we appreciate our customers’ support, especially when the costs to achieve our mission are rising.