News of the North- Water and sewer utility rates in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) will increase by 5 percent starting August 1, 2025, following a decision by the CBJ Assembly in June. The rate changes come after a comprehensive utility rate study and several public meetings and presentations aimed at evaluating the city’s infrastructure needs.
The full rate schedule is available online.
Officials say the increase is due to the challenges of maintaining water and sewer systems in Juneau’s low-density, geographically spread-out community. Unlike dense urban areas, Juneau’s long and narrow layout drives up the cost of maintaining and replacing critical infrastructure.
CBJ officials say, “Deferring maintenance only increases the cost burden later,” Inflation, aging infrastructure, and the need to meet regulatory standards have all contributed to what the city says is a necessary rate adjustment.
Residents are encouraged to review their billing statements in August and update any auto-pay or account information to reflect the new rates.
This 5 percent increase is the first in a series of annual adjustments approved through Ordinance 2025-27. Subsequent increases are scheduled for July 2026, July 2027, July 2028, and July 2029.
Revenue from the rate increases will go toward operations and maintenance of the city’s water and wastewater systems, capital improvement projects aimed at replacing failing infrastructure, compliance upgrades, and repayment of environmental loans through the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).
