You can still expect your water bill to go up in the new year, but it looks like it may not be as shocking as before.

Halifax Water says it has submitted a new rate hike to the Nova Scotia Regulatory Appeals Board for two separate increases:

In January of 12.1 per cent and the next in April of 5.5 per cent.

The utility had originally requested a jump of 35.6 per cent that included $27.2 million in deficit and $19 million in additional costs.

The regulatory board said it was “rate shock” and asked them to recalculate.

Halifax Water says it will discuss with HRM ways to eliminate their debt over a more “extended period” to ease cost on customers.

In a statement, CEO and GM Kenda MacKenzie says their priority is to provide safe, reliable services while operating as a not-for-profit, minimizing customer impact.

“By following the Board’s direction and using two from our original application, we have removed the deficit elimination and other costs from rates. By taking these meaningful steps, we are easing the financial burden on households,” says MacKenzie.

If approved, the new rates will be reflected in your bill by early 2026.