5 Critical Updates Henrico County Public Utilities Customers Must Know For 2025/2026

Staying informed about your local utility services is essential for managing your household budget and understanding the infrastructure that supports your daily life. As of December 17, 2025, the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has announced several key updates, rate changes, and ongoing projects that directly impact over 100,000 customers across the county. These changes reflect the county’s commitment to maintaining high-quality service, modernizing aging systems, and ensuring long-term financial stability for its critical water, wastewater, and solid waste operations.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the five most critical, up-to-the-minute details regarding Henrico County Public Utilities, from the latest water quality findings to significant infrastructure upgrades and the new financial outlook for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Understanding these updates will help residents anticipate changes to their utility bills, know where their tax dollars are being invested, and ensure they are taking advantage of available programs.

The 2025/2026 Financial Outlook: Understanding the New Utility Rates

One of the most immediate and impactful updates for Henrico residents is the finalized Water and Sewer Rates for the 2025/2026 period. The county has adopted a strategy of consistent, moderate annual increases to prevent sudden "affordability shocks" for residents.

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Consistent Rate Increases to Ensure System Stability

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors reviewed the proposed utility budget, which includes both the operational expenses for water, wastewater systems, and solid waste services, as well as significant capital improvement projects. The water and wastewater rates have historically increased at a consistent rate, often around 5% annually, a measure designed to keep pace with inflation, regulatory requirements, and the cost of maintaining a vast and complex utility network. The latest published Water and Sewer Rates for 2025/2026 confirm new bi-monthly service charges and consumption tiers.

• Bi-Monthly Service Charges: For a standard 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch meter, the bi-monthly service charge for water is $19.00, and the sewer service charge is $38.40.
• Unmetered Service: For properties where water service is not metered, there is a flat charge of $105.80 for sewer service.
• Connection Fees: New Water and Sewer Connection Fees for 2025/2026 have also been established, affecting new developments and specific facilities like Assisted Living Facilities.

These rate adjustments are crucial for securing the county's financial health, which was further confirmed by the scheduled announcement of Water and Sewer Revenue Bond Ratings in October 2025. Strong bond ratings are vital for funding large-scale infrastructure work at favorable interest rates, ultimately benefiting the customer.

Major Infrastructure Projects and Utility Relocations in 2025

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is actively managing several crucial infrastructure projects across Henrico County, many of which involve utility relocation and significant traffic impacts. These projects are necessary to upgrade aging pipes, enhance capacity, and support the county's continued growth.

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Key Projects Underway in the 2025 Calendar Year

Henrico County DPU maintains a commitment to transparency, providing monthly project updates and traffic impact notices to keep residents informed. Current and upcoming utility-related projects include:

• Bethlehem Road Improvements: This major initiative is currently underway, with the utility relocation phase scheduled for completion in the 1st Quarter of 2025. This work is essential before the main road improvements can proceed.
• Azalea Avenue Study: While some pedestrian and signal improvements have been completed, an ongoing study related to Azalea Avenue is still in progress, indicating potential future utility work.
• Archived Projects: Recent completions, such as the Montrose Terrace Area Water & Sewer Rehabilitation (completed April 2022) and the Meredith Branch Sanitary Sewer Project (completed June 2021), demonstrate the ongoing cycle of system renewal and maintenance.

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to DPU's project newsletters to receive timely updates, especially regarding potential road closures or service interruptions related to construction and utility work.

The 2024 Water Quality Report and Lead Service Line Program

Providing safe, high-quality drinking water is the DPU’s top priority. The latest data and ongoing programs demonstrate the county’s dedication to meeting and exceeding federal and state standards, even in the face of recent challenges.

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Latest Water Quality Findings and Critical Testing

The Water Quality Report for 2024 was published in June 2025, providing a detailed annual assessment of the drinking water treated and distributed by the county. This report confirms the quality testing results from the previous calendar year, assuring residents about the safety and purity of their water supply.

In early 2025, the county also conducted the last in a series of critical water-quality tests, a move that provided officials with an approximate timeline for any necessary adjustments or public health advisories. This proactive testing is part of the rigorous regulatory framework DPU follows. Furthermore, the beginning of 2025 saw a power outage in the Richmond area that temporarily disrupted water service for thousands of Henrico households, highlighting the importance of robust contingency plans and infrastructure resilience. A separate water issue in May 2025 required a temporary reopening of the connection to the City of Richmond's system under the guidance of the Virginia Department of Health.

The Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Henrico County is actively participating in the national effort to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program is a major, ongoing initiative aimed at identifying and removing lead pipes that connect the county's main water lines to private homes. The DPU is clear that while it provides high-quality water, it cannot control the variety of materials used in private plumbing systems, making this replacement program a critical step in reducing risk at the source. Residents are encouraged to check their property status and participate in this vital public health program.

Beyond Water: Wastewater and Solid Waste Services

While water service often takes the spotlight, the DPU manages two other essential components of the county’s public health and environmental protection: wastewater and solid waste services. These services are provided to over 100,000 customers and are integral to the utility's overall function.

Wastewater Management and Sewer Systems

The county’s wastewater systems, or sewer services, are crucial for public sanitation. The DPU is responsible for the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. The consistent rate increases for sewer service, detailed in the 2025/2026 rates, are necessary to maintain the vast network of sewer lines, pumping stations, and treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations.

Solid Waste and Recycling Services

The DPU also oversees the county’s solid waste management, which includes residential trash collection and recycling programs. This service area is continually being reviewed for efficiency and sustainability, aligning with the county’s broader environmental goals. Information on collection schedules, bulk waste policies, and recycling guidelines are updated regularly on the DPU's official channels, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all residents.

Customer Service and Billing: Tools for Residents

Navigating utility services is made easier through the DPU's range of customer service tools and payment options.

Managing Your Utility Account

The Department of Public Utilities offers multiple ways for customers to manage their accounts, pay their utility bill, and address service issues:

• Online Payments: Henrico County offers secure online portals for payment of the bi-monthly utility bill, which typically covers water and sewer charges.
• Leak Detection: The DPU provides resources, such as a Water Leak Brochure, to help customers identify and address leaks on their property, which can significantly reduce a high utility bill.
• Emergency Contact: For service interruptions, water main breaks, or sewer issues, the DPU maintains a dedicated line for prompt response, ensuring quick resolution of critical problems.

By utilizing these resources, residents can stay ahead of service changes, manage their utility costs effectively, and contribute to the smooth operation of Henrico County’s public services. The ongoing commitment to infrastructure investment, transparent reporting, and customer support ensures the DPU remains a reliable provider for the community.