Delaware River Water Fees Rising 4.8 Percent
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, the Delaware River Basin Commission is raising its regulatory fees and water charges by 4.8% to keep up with inflation. This affects anyone who uses or manages water in the Delaware River Basin across Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. If you pay these fees, expect a slight increase in costs from mid-2026 onward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Fixed Additional Fees for Approvals and Changes
Effective July 1, 2026, additional specified fees include: Emergency Approval $5,000; Late Filed Renewal Surcharge $2,000; Name Change $1,378; Change of Ownership $2,067. Some modification fees are set at the appropriate Docket Application Fee at the Executive Director's discretion. These amounts are subject to the annual CPI adjustment.
Updated Docket Application Filing Fees
The rule revises docket application filing fees effective July 1, 2026: Water allocation fee is $551 per million gallons/month of allocation (fee doubled for exports, fee maximum $20,670); wastewater discharge fees are $1,378 for private projects and $689 for public projects; 'Other' project fee equals 0.4% of project cost up to $103,352 (with additional described formula for costs above $10,000,000). These fees are subject to the annual CPI adjustment.
Annual Monitoring and Coordination Fee: $413
The annual monitoring and coordination fee is set at $413 (for water allocation equal to 10,000 mgm or for wastewater discharge design capacity 10 mgd) and is subject to annual CPI adjustment, effective July 1, 2026. Permit holders with allocations or discharge capacity should expect this yearly fee.
4.8% Annual Fee Increase
Starting July 1, 2026, the Commission is increasing its regulatory program fees and water charges by 4.8% (the April 12‑month CPI for Philadelphia). This increase applies to anyone who uses or manages water in the Delaware River Basin in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Set Water Charges Per Million Gallons
Effective July 1, 2026, the Commission sets water charges at $110 per million gallons for consumptive use and $1.10 per million gallons for non‑consumptive use. These rates are subject to the annual CPI adjustment described in paragraph (c).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-08900 — Regulatory Program Fees and Water Charges Rates
Starting July 1, 2025, the Commission is updating its fees and water charges for businesses and water users. These changes mean some will pay a bit more to keep things running smoothly and fairly. If you’re involved, get ready to see new rates that help support important water programs.
2026-06670 — Notice of Public Hearing and Business Meeting
The Delaware River Basin Commission is holding a virtual public hearing on May 6, 2026, to discuss water projects and budgets that affect the river basin. They’ll decide on important plans and money matters for the next fiscal year. Then, on June 11, 2026, they’ll meet again to finalize decisions and share updates—all open for public input and comments.
2026-02547 — Notice of Proposed Methodology for the 2026 Delaware River and Bay Water Quality Assessment Report
The Delaware River Basin Commission is sharing its plan for checking water quality in the Delaware River and Bay for 2026. People and groups who care about clean water can review the plan and send their thoughts by March 31, 2026. This helps make sure the water stays safe and healthy without costing extra money.
2026-01003 — Notice of Public Hearing and Business Meeting; February 4, 2026 and March 4, 2026
The Delaware River Basin Commission is hosting a virtual public hearing on February 4, 2026, to discuss projects that could impact the basin’s water, followed by a business meeting on March 4, 2026, to decide on those projects and other updates. Anyone interested in water use or environmental projects in the basin should tune in, share comments by February 9, and stay updated online. These meetings help protect water resources and guide important decisions without costing the public a dime to join.
2025-13962 — Notice of Public Hearing and Business Meeting; August 6, 2025 and September 10, 2025
The Delaware River Basin Commission is holding a virtual public hearing on August 6, 2025, to discuss projects that could impact the basin’s water, followed by a business meeting on September 10, 2025, to make decisions on those projects. Anyone interested in water use or environmental protection in the basin should pay attention, as these meetings could affect water withdrawals and discharges. You can send comments by August 11, and the meetings are free and open to everyone online.
2025-07072 — Notice of Public Hearing and Business Meeting
The Delaware River Basin Commission is holding a virtual public hearing on May 7, 2025, to discuss water projects and budgets that affect the river basin. Then, on June 11, 2025, they’ll meet in person to finalize decisions and share updates. If you live in the basin area or care about water resources, this is your chance to weigh in before budgets and projects get approved.
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