Buffalo residents will see a slight increase in their sewer rates, Buffalo City Council announced on June 30, 2026. The rate hike is expected to affect all households and businesses in the city, with the average monthly bill increasing by a yet-to-be-determined amount.
According to the announcement, the increase is necessary to maintain and upgrade the city's sewer infrastructure.
"The rate increase will help us to continue providing reliable and efficient sewer services to our residents and businesses," said a city official.
The City of Buffalo has been working to improve its sewer system in recent years, with a focus on reducing overflows and improving water quality in local waterways. The Buffalo River and Lake Erie have been impacted by sewer overflows in the past, and the city is working to reduce these incidents.
The rate increase will affect South Buffalo homeowners, Downtown Buffalo businesses, and all other residents and businesses across the city. The increase will be reflected in the average household's monthly bill, with low-income households potentially eligible for assistance.
The Buffalo City Council will review the rate increase at its next meeting, scheduled for July 14, 2026. Residents and businesses can attend the meeting to voice their concerns and ask questions about the increase.
The rate increase is expected to take effect on August 1, 2026, with the exact amount of the increase still to be determined. Residents and businesses can expect to see the new rates reflected in their monthly bills starting in September 2026.