If you’re a customer with Halifax Water, your bill is officially going to go up.

In a media release, Wednesday, the Board says it has approved the utility’s rate application.

Halifax Water applied for an 18.1 per cent increase to happen in two phases, 12.1 per cent this month then 6 per cent in April.

In an email to our newsroom, Senior Communications and Public Affairs Advisor Brittany Smith says that means the average household will see a jump of $9.28 every month in January 2026 and another $5.11 in April.

“These rates are required to address Halifax Water’s current financial challenges and ensure the reliable delivery of essential water services to our community,” says Smith.

She adds that over the past several years Halifax Water has used budget surpluses and reserve funds to address their debt.

However, that money is now gone so they need to increase the rate.

In December, the utility asked for a hike of 35.6 per cent but the Board said that would cause “rate shock” and asked them to go back to the drawing board.

Another request of 17.6 per cent was made but that was adjusted once more to 18.1.