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Williamsburg Transitions to Monthly Water and Sewer Billing

Williamsburg's new transition to monthly billing for water and sewer services.

News Summary

Williamsburg is shifting its water and sewer billing from a quarterly to a monthly system as part of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This change, effective immediately, aims to enhance financial management for residents, allowing them to track usage more closely and manage payments effectively. Customers will receive separate monthly bills from the city and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District for waste management services, promoting transparency and easier budgeting.

Williamsburg is set to change its billing process for water and sewer services, moving from a quarterly to a monthly system. This transition is part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, which was recently approved to better manage utility revenue and provide residents with more consistent billing practices.

The new monthly billing cycle will take effect immediately for all residents, allowing them to monitor their water and sewer usage more closely and manage payments more effectively. The shift aims to ease financial planning for families and individuals by providing smaller, more manageable bills each month.

With this change, all customers will also notice adjustments in their water rates as part of the overall budget modifications. These changes are designed to sustain city services and infrastructure, ensuring that they meet the ongoing needs of the growing community.

Details of the New Billing Structure

Previously, Williamsburg combined utility bills with charges from the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), which is responsible for wastewater treatment services. Under the new billing system, HRSD will send a separate monthly bill directly to residents for wastewater treatment charges. This means that residents will receive two distinct bills each month: one from the city for water services and another from HRSD for sewer services.

Impact on Residents

By changing to a monthly billing format, the city aims to enhance transparency in utility charges and ease the financial burden associated with larger, quarterly bills. Residents will have regular updates on their consumption and expenses, which may lead to a more conscientious approach toward water usage and conservation.

In the past, residents receiving a quarterly bill often found it challenging to anticipate costs over three months, especially in fluctuating usage periods. The monthly billing system intends to alleviate this issue, making it easier for residents to budget for their water and sewer costs.

Moving Forward

The implementation of monthly billing is seen as a necessary step in adapting to the needs of the community, aligning with broader efforts for fiscal responsibility within the city. The adjustments in water rates, though required, will be accompanied by outreach and communication efforts to ensure that residents are informed and prepared for these changes.

Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official website at williamsburgva.gov/water for more detailed information regarding billing changes, water rates, and frequently asked questions. The website serves as a central hub for all related updates and resources as the city navigates through this transition.

Background Context

The decision to move to monthly billing comes as part of Williamsburg’s strategic planning to enhance public services and manage resources effectively. As the city continues to grow, providing consistent utility billing is essential for maintaining updated infrastructure and delivering reliable services to all residents. The city recognizes the importance of aligning its billing practices with modern financial management expectations and community needs.

As the transition unfolds, residents can expect to receive further communication from both the city’s utility billing office and HRSD in the upcoming weeks aimed at guiding them through the new processes and what to anticipate on their monthly bills.