Understanding Water Rates in De Pere

We understand that water rates and utility infrastructure can feel complicated, and residents often have questions about how rates are set, why they change, and how the City plans for long-term water system needs. To support clarity and transparency, we’ve assembled the information and resources below.

Topics covered on this page: 

Current Water Rates

Residents can review the City’s existing water rates at the links below:

  • Water Rates Effective January 1, 2021
  • Water Rates Effective June 1, 2024 

These rates remain in effect until any future adjustments are approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). 

Why Water Rate Adjustments Are Needed

The City of De Pere has submitted a conventional water rate case to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). This process ensures that water rates:

  • Helps ensure safe, high-quality drinking water for De Pere residents
  • Align with PSC guidelines
  • Provide sufficient funding to maintain and replace aging water mains and infrastructure. 

Many of De Pere’s water mains were installed in the 1920s. These pipes are now deteriorating and require more frequent and costly repairs. Replacing aging infrastructure is essential to maintaining reliability, reducing emergency outages, and protecting water quality.

Understanding the City’s Water Infrastructure Needs

De Pere’s water system includes miles of underground mains, valves, hydrants, and service lines that must be maintained and replaced over time. As infrastructure ages, repairs become more frequent and more expensive.

To keep the system functioning safely and efficiently, the City plans to replace approximately 1% of the water system each year. This steady, proactive approach helps avoid major failures and spreads costs more evenly over time.

How much of a rate increase is De Pere looking at? And when does this start? 

 The City is requesting an approximate 18.75% rate adjustment. The PSC will determine the final approved rate after completing its review.

If approved:

  • New rates are expected to take effect in late 2026
  • This rate increase helps put the Water Utility on a path to being debt free, which will moderate any future rate increases.
  • Funding will support ongoing replacement of aging water mains and reduce emergency repair costs
  • The system will be better prepared to meet long-term community needs 

The goal is to ensure that De Pere residents continue to receive safe, reliable water service for decades to come.

Is this the last rate increase or are others anticipated?

The proposed rate increase establishes a path for the Water Utility to be debt free by 2036, resulting in a more stable financial position and lower rate increase in the future. With this scenario, simplified rate case reviews are anticipated in 2029, 2031, 2033, 2036 and 2040. These reviews are currently estimated to result in 3% increases for each review, but this amount is subject to change.

How De Pere compares regionally 

We understand this is a notable increase for our community, but De Pere is not alone in facing rising infrastructure costs. Water utilities across Wisconsin—including those in Brown County—are experiencing similar challenges and are likely to implement rate increases in the coming years.

While De Pere’s rates may appear higher today, they are expected to align with regional averages over time as other communities adjust their rates to meet infrastructure needs. 

The Public Services Commission provides a portal that can be used to review utility data across the state.

Public Meetings and Review Process

The City’s Board of Public Works and Common Council spent considerable time reviewing the water rate case and discussing long-term infrastructure needs. Residents can view these discussions at the links below:

These meetings provide helpful context on the City’s decision-making process and the factors that led to the rate case submission.

Helpful Resources

For residents who want to learn more about water utilities, rate setting, and infrastructure planning:

Have More Questions?

If you have additional questions that aren’t addressed here, we’re always happy to help. Please contact the De Pere Water Department at 920-339-4060. In addition, if you’d like to speak with your elected officials about this, or any other topic of interest in De Pere, please consider the contact options at this link.