Residents in Queens are facing a major increase in water bills after the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board approved an 85 per cent rate hike for the Region of Queens Water Utility.

The decision, released December 22, took effect January 1.

To reduce the impact, the board ordered the increase to be phased in over two years.

The largest jump—about 60 per cent—was applied immediately, with the remaining 20 per cent scheduled by 2027.

Before the change, the average residential bill was around $330 a year. With the new rates, that figure has climbed to about $531, and by 2027 it will reach roughly $664.

For most households, that means paying about $300 more annually once the full increase is in place.

The Region of Queens told the board the utility faced a $1.4-million deficit after years without any rate adjustments.

To help soften the blow, the board also ordered the elimination of interest on the utility’s debt to the municipality and adjustments to its earnings and debt forecasts.

Customers should expect the next increase by 2027.

The board says these changes are aimed at long-term sustainability for the water system, which has gone years without a rate review.