Water Prices to Rise in Belize as Early as April 2026

Water prices in Belize are set to rise as early as next year. The Public Utilities Commission has released its Initial Decision on Belize Water Services Limited’s 2026 Full Tariff Review. The new rates and upgrades are planned to start on April 1, 2026, after months of studies and meetings.

The PUC approved a 13.5 percent increase to the Mean Water Rate. This is lower than the 20 percent increase BWSL wanted. The change is expected to raise the average customer’s bill by about 5.5 percent once the new rates begin.

A major change for small users is the removal of the flat fee of eight dollars and seventy-two cents for the first one thousand gallons. Instead, all customers will pay by the gallon. The PUC says this is fairer because people will pay only for the water they use.

The PUC also approved one hundred thirty million dollars for improvements to water systems across the country. This includes replacing old pipes, boosting production, buying equipment and improving security at key sites.

Another twenty million dollars will go toward expanding water supply and storage in Placencia, Caye Caulker and San Pedro. These communities are growing, and the PUC says the extra work is needed to meet demand.

BWSL also received approval to raise its share of funding for water main extensions. The company can now contribute up to six thousand dollars on the mainland and up to ten thousand dollars in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

The PUC did not approve increases to administrative fees. It also made no decision on BWSL’s request involving Commercial Abstraction, since that is handled by the National Integrated Water Resources Authority.The PUC’s Initial Decision is on its website. The public can submit comments on BWSL’s Business Plan for 2026 to 2031 until December 3, 2025.