According to Fox 10, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) released its 2027 budget proposal, calling for a 4% increase in operating revenue that would be funded by customers. The modest hike would raise the monthly bill for an average user consuming 5,000 gallons of water by about $3.41, while customers on the minimum bill—using roughly 2,500 gallons—would see an increase of about $1.81.
The utility attributes the proposed increase to rising costs for materials, supplies and services, as well as the need to address aging infrastructure. MAWSS reported that it has invested approximately $400 million in capital projects over the past six years to modernize the system. The rate recommendation is based on an independent cost‑of‑service study commissioned in 2025.
Water‑quality concerns were also voiced by residents. One Mobile resident warned that “it’s bigger problems than that… Like all the toxins that are in there, it’s pretty terrifying.” MAWSS acknowledged the presence of PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—in its water but said the detections do not constitute violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and that the agency continues to post annual water‑quality reports on its website.
Despite the concerns, some locals see the modest increase as a worthwhile investment. Jaleel, a Mobile resident, said, “If you doing something at such a small price to be like, and it’s beneficial, and why not fix it? … I feel like $2, $3, you wouldn’t even notice the difference.”
Members of the public can submit comments at a hearing scheduled for Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the MAWSS offices on Moffett Road. The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners is expected to vote on the budget on Dec. 7. The proposed budget is also available for review online at MAWSS.com.
Sources: fox10tv.com
