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Most home water bills up $2.92 to $5.71 a month starting Oct. 1

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 14:55 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Guam’s Home Water Bills to Rise by Up to $5.71 a Month Beginning October 1

By: Research Journalist

The United States territory of Guam will see its residents pay more for their daily water usage, as announced by the Guam Department of Water and Sewerage (DWS). Beginning October 1, the monthly cost of a typical home water supply will increase by a maximum of $5.71—a steep climb from the current average of roughly $2.92. The hike is slated to affect households across the island, and officials say the adjustments are necessary to cover rising operating costs and to fund critical infrastructure upgrades.

1. Why the Rate Increase?

In a statement released on the DWS website, the agency cited several interlocking factors that have made the price increase unavoidable:

1. Rising Fuel and Energy Costs – Guam’s water system relies heavily on diesel-powered pumps and generators. As fuel prices have surged since 2023, the cost of moving and treating water has climbed accordingly.
2. Infrastructure Modernization – The island’s aging water‑pipeline network has been in need of replacement for years. The new rates will help finance a comprehensive upgrade program that targets leak‑prone lines, water‑loss reductions, and the installation of smart metering technology.
3. Climate‑Resiliency Initiatives – With the increasing threat of sea‑level rise and storm surges, the DWS is investing in coastal defenses and backup water storage solutions. Funding for these projects comes directly from the water‑rate revenue stream.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability Goals – Guam has committed to meeting U.S. federal standards for water quality and has set targets for reducing per‑capita consumption. These goals require both additional staffing and new monitoring equipment.

The DWS’s Rate‑Setting Committee reviewed the proposed rates through a transparent, public‑comment process that began in March. According to a Public Notice published in the Guam PDI (see link: https://www.guampdn.com/2024/05/20/dws-rate-setting/), the committee received 134 comments from residents, businesses, and community groups. While many residents expressed concern, the committee noted that the increase would be proportionate to the service improvements.

2. How Much Will Different Households Pay?

The rates are structured on a tiered system that scales with consumption. Below is a summary based on the Annual Rate Schedule posted by DWS on their website (link: https://www.guamwater.com/annual-rates):

These figures illustrate how households that use more water will pay disproportionately more—a pricing strategy designed to incentivize conservation.

3. Impact on Low‑Income and Vulnerable Populations

The DWS has acknowledged that the hikes will pose a burden on low‑income families and the elderly. In an interview with the Guam Post‑Disaster News, the agency’s Director of Community Outreach, Santiago Alvarez, said the department will launch a Water Assistance Program in early September. The program will offer monthly rebates or low‑interest loans to help households absorb the cost shock. The DWS will also partner with local charities to provide free water‑conservation workshops.

Residents in the Futami and Yona districts—areas that historically report higher rates of poverty—have organized petitions urging the state government to consider a capped increase. The petitions have been submitted to the Guam House of Representatives (link: https://www.guamlegislature.com/committees) and are slated for discussion in the upcoming budget hearing.

4. What Happens if You Ignore the Rate Increase?

The DWS warns that failure to adapt to the new rates could lead to service disruptions. If households do not account for the higher monthly cost, they may face delayed payments and ultimately, potential shut‑off of service for non‑payment. The department’s Billing Office is offering a 30‑day grace period for those who need to adjust their budgeting.

Additionally, the agency is planning an educational campaign that will be disseminated via local radio, community centers, and the Guam PDI’s online portal. The goal is to raise awareness of how households can conserve water—through practices such as installing low‑flow showerheads, fixing leaks promptly, and using drought‑resistant landscaping.

5. The Bigger Picture: Water Management in a Changing Climate

The rate hike is part of a broader, territory‑wide strategy to make Guam’s water system more resilient to climate change. The Department of Agriculture’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan (link: https://www.guamad.gov/climate-plan) outlines how increased water prices will support the construction of additional rainwater‑capture systems and the reinforcement of groundwater recharge wells. By reallocating a portion of water‑rate revenue toward these projects, Guam aims to reduce its reliance on imported water and to secure the long‑term supply for future generations.

The water‑rate increases have also prompted the territory’s legislature to revisit the Water Quality Act of 2022, which requires regular audits of water treatment facilities. The updated law—now in the Committee on Natural Resources—would mandate quarterly reporting on water loss metrics and enforce penalties for non‑compliance.

6. What Residents Can Do Now

• Check Your Current Meter Reading: Compare your usage to the new rate tiers and forecast how the increase will affect your bill.
• Apply for the Assistance Program: If you anticipate difficulty meeting the new rates, contact DWS’s billing office before the first October bill arrives.
• Join Conservation Workshops: Sign up for free classes at community centers; DWS will host sessions on efficient water use.
• Stay Informed: Read updates on the DWS website and the Guam PDI to keep abreast of any changes or new initiatives.

The DWS’s transparency portal—accessible at https://www.guamwater.com/transparency—provides detailed breakdowns of how each dollar of your bill is spent, from employee salaries to pipeline replacement costs.

Conclusion

Guam’s home water bill increase, while seemingly drastic, is a multifaceted response to rising operational costs, infrastructure needs, and environmental imperatives. While the maximum monthly increase of $5.71 will undoubtedly strain many households, the initiative also paves the way for a more sustainable, resilient water supply that can withstand future climate challenges. Residents, community groups, and the territorial government must collaborate closely to ensure that the transition is equitable and that no household is left behind.