Water Authority-Cayman announces that its base price (rates) for services will be adjusted by 3%, effective 01 July 2026. Customers will see the adjusted rates reflected on their July bill, which will be issued at the end of the month.
Section 44(3) of the Water Authority Regulations (2022 Revision) provides the mechanism for the Water Authority's base price to be adjusted on an annual basis. The base price has not been revised in seven years. The adjustment process includes verification of calculations by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and formal notification to the Utility Regulations & Competition Office (URCO) of the verified based price adjustment.
Under the base price adjustment, the fee for residential customers in Grand Cayman for the first 12 cubic metres (m³) of water consumed each month - equivalent to approximately 3,200 US gallons - will increase by 13¢ per m³, from $4.34 to $4.47. Consumption above 12m³ will increase by 17¢ per m³, from $5.57 to $5.74.
In Cayman Brac, residential piped water customers will see an increase of 18¢ per m³, from $5.99 to $6.17, while trucked water customers will see an increase of 23¢ per m³, from $7.55 to $7.78.
Sewerage rates, which are based on assessed Sewerage Fixture Units (SFUs), will increase from $1.672 to $1.722. The septage disposal rate charged to septage truckers will increase from $17.018 to $17.529 per 1,000 US gallons.
Director of the Water Authority, Dr Gelia Frederick van Gendren, noted that the adjustment reflects the Authority's long-term infrastructure needs.
"The adjustment is necessary to invest in our infrastructure to ensure proper and adequate operations now and into the future," said Dr Frederick van Genderen. "The Authority is committed to keeping tap water affordable, and even with this increase, the water we provide remains less than 3¢ per gallon."
The Authority's tap water undergoes rigorous quality control and meets the World Health Organisation's drinking water quality guidelines. The Authority's internationally accredited laboratory conducts more than 45,000 sample analyses each year to ensure the safety and quality of tap water across the Cayman Islands.
"We understand that base price increases are not something customers welcome," Dr Frederick van Genderen added. "But customers remain in control of many aspects of their consumption. Using water efficiently and addressing leaks helps control expenses."
The Authority's website offers a range of resources to help customers understand their bills, read their water meters, and conserve water by adopting smart home and landscaping habits.
For more information on the base rate adjustment, click here. For more information on the Water Authority, please visit www.waterauthority.ky.
