DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Water Works customers can expect an increase to their water bills next year.

During a meeting on Tuesday, the Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees voted to approve an increase in water rates for 2026.

The approved changes include increases to fixed monthly water availability fees based on meter size. Currently DMWW charges $6 for a 5/8″ meter. In 2026 that rate will be increased to $7. Rates for larger meters will see a higher increase spread out between two years. For example, a 3/4″ meter, which is currently charged $7, will increase to $8.50 in 2026 and then to $10.50 in 2027. According to a news release on the DMWW’s website, these monthly fees haven’t changed since 2011.

The majority of DMWW customers will also see an increase to their water consumption rates. Des Moines residents using between 0-2,000 gallons a month are currently charged $5 per thousand gallons. The new rates will increase that charge to $5.35 per thousand gallons.

Along with increases to the fixed monthly fees, an irrigation rate of $10.70 per thousand gallons will also be put in place for industrial and commercial customers inside the city, which DMWW says will make irrigation rates uniform across all customer classes. Other areas outside of Des Moines that are served by DMWW will see varying changes to their irrigation rate charges.

A spokesperson with DMWW shared the following statement with WHO 13 about the new rates:

Affordability of water rates is important. Des Moines Water Works completed an affordability study in 2023. While we know customers experience different financial situations, the study found DMWW rates meet widely used affordability standards. We assist customers who have difficulty paying their bill by offering pay arrangements or referring them to community agencies who can provide assistance.

To further support affordability of water rates, in 2025, our residential rate structure changed such that water charges decreased for customers who use less than the average consumption of 6,000 gallons. This decreased water bills for about 80-90% of our residential customers in 2025. Customers who use more than 6,000 gallons pay more in 2025, and those who use more than 9,000 gallons, usually due to outside watering, pay the highest rate of $10 in 2025 ($10.70 in 2026).

Customers should note that water charges are only a portion of their water bill. The monthly bill they receive also includes their city or district charges of water, solid waste, and/or stormwater.

The new rates go into effect on January 1, 2026. You can see the full list of changes on DMWW’s website.