Forest Lake 2026 water and sewer rates: effective Jan. 1, 2026

Forest Lake’s municipal water and sewer rate schedules for 2026 are labeled “Effective January 1, 2026.” For renters, homeowners, and property managers budgeting for new-year utility bills, the biggest practical step is figuring out (1) which base charges come from the rate schedule and (2) what extra, situation-based charges could be governed by the city’s separate 2026 fee schedule (Ord. 764).

Where to verify Forest Lake’s official 2026 utility charges

There are two main official documents to use:

• Forest Lake Municipal Code, Section 35.04: This is where the city lists the 2026 water and 2026 sewer user rates/charges, including the “Effective January 1, 2026” label.
• City of Forest Lake 2026 Fee Schedule (Ord. 764): This is the fee framework for additional utility-related line items that may apply in certain account situations.

For a regional comparison point on sewer costs, Minnesota’s Legislative Reference Library also hosts a Metropolitan Council community-cost summary that includes a Forest Lake figure.

How Forest Lake’s water bill is built under the 2026 schedule

Forest Lake’s 2026 water schedule is organized around meter-size categories and a quarterly billing structure. In practice, you can think of water rates as combining:

• A quarterly base amount tied to the meter-size category (the municipal-code table shows a “fixed”/minimum-style quarterly bill amount by meter size).
• Per-unit usage charges for water use above the minimum/threshold shown for your meter-size category.

A key detail: the municipal-code table lists seasonally different per-unit water prices for Fall/Winter quarters versus Spring/Summer quarters. That means a household that waters outdoors in warm months may see a different pattern than a household whose water use is steadier year-round.

Finally, the code table also includes a meter fee per quarter, which is part of how the water bill is constructed for the meter-size category in your account.

How Forest Lake’s sewer bill is built under the 2026 schedule

Forest Lake’s 2026 sewer schedule follows a similar quarterly structure, but the terminology is organized around minimum quarterly bills and charges for usage above that minimum. Under the code table, sewer charges are presented as:

• A minimum quarterly bill level based on meter size.
• Per-unit sewer charges for “above minimum” usage.

The municipal-code sewer table notes that the schedule uses units per 1,000 gallons. So when comparing bills or budgeting by meter category, it helps to keep in mind that sewer costs are driven by both the minimum quarterly level and metered volume above that minimum.

What “fee schedule” charges can add (and when they may show up)

The city’s 2026 fee schedule (Ord. 764) is broader than the base rate tables for water and sewer. It can cover utility-related charges that are tied to specific actions or account circumstances—meaning they are not automatically added to every customer’s monthly bill.

For example, the 2026 fee schedule lists utility-related items such as fees for late-payment situations and fees for meter reconnection/disconnection and water turn-on/turn-off scenarios (including emergency situations).

Budgeting takeaway: treat the fee schedule as a “possible extra” document. Your predictable baseline is the water and sewer rate schedule billed on your account; the fee schedule explains additional line items that could apply under certain events.

Renters vs. owners: what to look for on your bill or lease

If you pay your own utilities, look for how your bill reflects the water-and-sewer structure and—importantly—whether your account corresponds to the meter-size category described in the city’s schedule tables.

If you are a renter, utilities may be:

• Direct-billed to your unit (you may still want to confirm your meter-size category), or
• Included in rent or handled through a building-level arrangement (in which case you’d want to ask management how utility pass-throughs work and what they base charges on).

Budgeting for 2026: translate the schedule into realistic expectations

Because the water and sewer rate schedules are labeled “Effective January 1, 2026,” budgeting typically starts with the first quarters of service billed under the new schedule.

• Check your meter-size category before comparing your usage against schedule tables.
• Remember the quarterly structure—your bill is not only “per gallon” or “per unit.” There is also a quarterly baseline/minimum component shown in the municipal code tables.
• For water, account for seasonality if your household’s outdoor use changes across the year.
• Don’t assume fee-schedule items are automatic—only treat them as possible add-ons if your account situation triggers them.

Regional comparison snapshot: Metropolitan Council context for Forest Lake sewer costs

For a Twin Cities metro context point, a Metropolitan Council community wastewater-cost report hosted by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library lists Forest Lake at $55 per month as the community wastewater/sewer utility cost figure, using 2025 community context.

This is a comparison benchmark for the community’s overall sewer utility cost context—not a household-by-household estimate of what your specific water and sewer bill will total.

Sources

• Forest Lake Municipal Code (amended/codelibrary): 2026 water & sewer user rates/charges (Sec. 35.04)
• City of Forest Lake: 2026 Fee Schedule (Ord. 764; updated December 2025)
• Minnesota Legislative Reference Library: Metropolitan Council Community Wastewater Costs (Feb. 2026; 2025 community context)

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