PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Mountain Water District has filed an application with the Kentucky Public Service Commission seeking approval to raise water rates across its service area.
The Pike County-based district serves more than 16,700 retail customers and provides wholesale water to Elkhorn City, Jenkins, Martin County Water District, and Mingo County Public Service District.
According to the filing, the district’s current rates are not generating enough revenue to cover rising operating costs and debt payments. The proposed adjustment would increase total revenues by about $2.19 million, or 22.6 percent overall.
If approved, the new rates would take effect December 10, 2025. For most residential customers using a 5/8-inch meter, the average monthly bill would rise from about $44.77 to $54.80, an increase of $10.03 or 22 percent.
Wholesale customers, including Elkhorn City and Mingo County, would see a 13.5 percent increase. The district is also proposing to raise customer deposit requirements from $75 to $114 for residential accounts and from $150 to $190 for commercial accounts.
Mountain Water District says the increase is necessary to maintain financial stability and ensure reliable service after inflation and prior rate structures failed to meet revenue projections.
