Stockbridge Water Commission Approves 10 Percent Water Rate Hike, First in Five Years

LENOX — April 14, 2026 — Stockbridge Water and Sewer Commission raises water rates 10 percent and sewer rates 5 percent, effective July 1. The commission, meeting April 14, approved the first water rate increase in five years after two consecutive years of roughly $20,000 revenue reductions, driven by a sharp drop in hotel water usage and a dental office relocation to Lenox; water output fell from 61.2 million gallons in 2021 to 52.4 million gallons in 2025. The sewer minimum bill rises from $142 to $149; the water minimum billing threshold increases from 2,000 to 2,500 cubic feet, generating an estimated $11,000 in additional annual revenue. The commission separately voted to raise the bulk water hauler rate from three-quarters of a cent to one cent per gallon. Even with the 10 percent water increase, the fund projects a roughly $310 shortfall offset by $71,000 in reserves, and members acknowledged they may need to revisit water rates again next year if usage declines continue.