What changed in the new FY 2026–2027 schedule

Water: The City’s residential water billing now includes a smaller base-fee allowance. Under the FY 2026–2027 schedule, the included amount is 3,000 gallons per month—previously it was 5,000 gallons.

Sanitary sewer: The City increases inside-city residential sewer base fees under FY 2026–2027.

Stormwater: Stormwater rises based on the property’s Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) calculation. The stormwater monthly base fee per EDU increases under FY 2026–2027.

Water details: the allowance drops from 5,000 to 3,000 gallons

For residential customers, the fee schedule says the water base fee includes 3,000 gallons of water consumption. If usage goes above that threshold, the City bills the extra through a commodity charge.

Because the water base fee is tied to your water meter size, the bill has both (1) a monthly base component and (2) a commodity component once usage exceeds the included allowance.

Sewer details: inside-city base fees increase

For properties billed under inside-city sanitary sewer terms, FY 2026–2027 increases the sewer monthly base fee. As with water, the sewer base fee depends on the meter size.

If you’re not sure which sewer terms apply to your property, use the City’s fee tables to confirm whether your account is billed under inside-city limits or another category.

Stormwater details: charges increase per Equivalent Dwelling Unit

The fee schedule describes stormwater using Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs). The “EDU” is defined as per 2,490 sq. ft. surface, and the City’s tables set a stormwater monthly base fee per EDU.

Under FY 2026–2027, that per-EDU stormwater base-fee amount increases—so total stormwater charges can change even if your household water use stays the same.

Where residents can find the official rate tables

For the adopted figures effective July 1, 2026, residents should use the City’s FY 2026–2027 consolidated fee schedule (Utilities section). The City’s Utility Rates and Fees page also provides a resident-facing explanation and directs customers to the fee schedule resources.

Practical next steps: check the key line items

When you review your next bill, focus on:

• Water: confirm whether your account applies the 3,000 gallons/month included allowance and where the commodity charge appears for usage above that threshold.
• Sewer: verify the charge is calculated under inside-city terms (and note that the base fee depends on your meter size).
• Stormwater: check the stormwater EDU basis for your property using the City’s tables (stormwater is billed in monthly base-fee terms per EDU).

If anything on your statement doesn’t line up with the tables, the City’s Utility Rates and Fees page is the best starting point for getting clarification from the utilities/billing team.

Sources

• City of Hood River — FY 2026–2027 Consolidated Fee Schedule (Utilities section; effective July 1, 2026)