Narberth staff says sewer-treatment costs force proposed rate rise; average bill could climb ~$78 annually

Staff told council that updated testing and treatment by outside utilities mean higher sewer-treatment costs for the borough, and recommended a rate adjustment for 2027. "We actually will end up owing them more money," the staff member said of Lower Merion Township and the Philadelphia Water Department, and recommended raising the borough's sewer rate from about $6 to $7.50 per thousand gallons to cover increased charges.

The staff presentation estimated the average annual sewer bill would move from roughly $312 on current rates to about $390 after the change—an increase of about $78 per household per year—and said the combined effect of sewer, solid-waste, and nominal property tax changes would be about $114 annually per household (about $9.50 per month). Council asked staff for more detailed household-level breakdowns and directed staff to include more granular usage and commercial/residential splits in follow-up materials.