Knox County Commissioners have approved a $2 rate increase for water and wastewater services in certain areas of the county, effective from 2026. This decision was made during their meeting on December 23.
According to a meeting video, the commissioners established new rates for Howard and Upper Valley, Pleasant View Acres, Millwood, and Bladensburg under the Knox County Water/Wastewater Department. The rate increase applies to both water and sewer services. "Not all of these areas have water. They all have sewer, but the only ones that have water are in the Howard and Apple Valley area," County Administrator Jason Booth said.
Booth explained that customers' rates would rise so that every 1,000 gallons after the initial 4,000 gallons would cost $5.20 for water and $5 for sewer. He noted that the county's costs are approximately $6.20 per 1,000 gallons, and with this rate adjustment, Knox County will charge $5.20.
Booth further said that they plan to gradually increase rates over three years to avoid significant impacts on consumers at once. The new rates will first appear on customers' bills in March 2026. Typically, rate increases occur in three- to five-year increments.
