Photo by Ángelo González

Baltimore’s Department of Public Works will hold a series of community meetings to answer questions about the city’s proposed water rate increase.

Starting Feb. 1, Baltimore water bills would be 9.66% higher, if the proposed increase is approved. Then, bills would climb 8.4% in Fiscal Year 2026, and by 8.4% again in Fiscal Year 2027, WJZ reported.

The increase is due in part to outsourcing jobs to outside contractors, Baltimore Brew reported.

DPW Director Khalil Zaied and other representatives from the public works department will be on hand at the community meetings to explain the changes, answer questions, and provide information about assistance programs.

“We want to ensure that residents are fully informed and feel supported throughout this process,” Zaied in a statement. “Your input is invaluable as we work to maintain the sustainability of our water, wastewater, and stormwater systems for future generations.”

The meetings will be held across various parts of the city, mostly during evening hours, and with a mixture of in-person and virtual options.

The details of each meeting are as follows:

  • Date: January 9 (In Person and Virtual)
  • Location: Northwest Police District 5271 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Md., 21215  
  • Time: 7:00 PM 
  • Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82370023645
  • Meeting ID: 823 7002 3645 Passcode: 909834   
  • Date: January 15  (In Person)
  • Location: War Memorial 101 N Gay St., Baltimore, Md. 21202 Lower Level
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Date: January 21 (In Person) 
  • Location: Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21224
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Date: January 28 (In Person and Virtual)
  • Location: Southwest  424 Font Hill Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21223 
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/95231599000
  • Meeting ID: 952 3159 9000 Passcode: 634451

If residents cannot attend one of the in-person meetings, they can share their comments through this online form.

Marcus Dieterle is the managing editor of Baltimore Fishbowl, telling the stories of communities across the Baltimore region. Marcus helped lead the team to win a Best of Show award for Website of General...