Water rates in Suffolk to jump by $16 more a year
Suffolk County Water Authority's pumping station in Riverhead. The authority passed a budget that includes a near 3% water rate hike. Credit: Joseph Sperber
The Suffolk County Water Authority approved a $346 million annual budget Thursday, authorizing a 2.81% rate hike that will increase the average homeowner's bill by $16.62 per year starting in June.
The water authority’s 2027 budget represents an 11.6% increase compared to the $310 million 2026 budget.
Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said the budget was developed to fund “core infrastructure needs.”
"We are advancing our treatment capabilities and securing our water system for the future without placing an undue financial burden on our ratepayers,” Lefkowitz said in a news release.
The new rates will increase the average customer’s bill from about $590 to $607, according to the water authority. New rates take effect June 1.
The water authority, which serves about 1.2 million county residents, said its rates are still much lower compared to Liberty New York Water in Nassau County, where an average bill would be $1,871.
Budget documents show annual bills for homeowners served by other peers such as Monroe County Water Authority would pay $763. Customers of the Water Authority of Great Neck North pay an average of $1,252.
The rate hike is less compared with recent years. The water authority approved a 4.17% increase in 2024 followed by 2.99% the following two years.
CEO Jeff Szabo said during a “State of the Authority” address earlier this month that the water authority has managed to keep the increases close to the rate of inflation.
“Our bills remain well below the industry average in New York,” he said. “For many their water bill is still the lowest utility bill they pay.”
The water authority noted the cost of carbon for water treatment is one rising expense responsible for increased operational costs.
About half of the budget — $173.6 million — is dedicated to operating and maintenance costs that include payroll and benefits. Capital projects represent 36% of the budget, totaling $125.7 million, and debt service makes up the remaining 14%, totaling $46.8 million.
The water authority highlighted several initiatives to improve its infrastructure , such as $48.3 million geared toward projects to treat synthetic chemicals known as PFAS and other contaminants. Bronze-screened well replacements are also included in that total. The water authority said those aging wells can be prone to failure and proactive replacements ensures the water authority "can meet surging demand without a risk of a well failure."
An additional $43.4 million in capital projects is earmarked toward construction and maintenance for distribution system improvements and to extend and replace water mains.
Board Member Elizabeth Mercado said in the news release the upgrades “directly impact system reliability.”
“Replacing older wells, upgrading water mains and installing new meters are concrete investments in the future of our water infrastructure,” she added.
The water authority also highlighted a $3.9 million investment to replace older water meters. The budget includes funds for pilot programs “to test the next generation of water maters.”
The newer meters, which transmit data through cellular networks, can provide customers with more real-time information on water use, according to the water authority. That allows customers to detect leaks quicker.
In June 2025, the water authority reached a contract agreement with the Utility Workers Union of America Local 393, which represents about 350 employees. The contract raises pay by 26% over eight years.
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
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