Residents and businesses in Fort Smith will see higher sewer charges beginning January 1, 2026, following a previously approved multi-year rate plan adopted by the Fort Smith Board of Directors.

In February 2025, the Board approved annual sewer rate increases of 3.5% for each year from 2025 through 2030. The upcoming adjustment is the next scheduled step in that plan.

As part of the approved schedule, the 2026 sewer rate adjustments include increases to both the base charge and the usage-based charge:

The volume charge applies to wastewater usage measured in hundreds of cubic feet (CCF), meaning customers with higher water usage will see larger overall bill increases.

According to the City of Fort Smith, the scheduled increases are intended to support:

City officials have stated that the multi-year approach allows costs to be spread out gradually rather than through larger, less predictable rate hikes in the future.

The increase will appear on sewer bills beginning with January 2026 billing cycles. While the base charge increase is modest, the total impact on individual bills will vary depending on household or business water usage.

Residents are encouraged to review their bills and understand how the volume charge affects overall costs.

For a typical Fort Smith household using about 6 CCF of water per month, the January 1, 2026 sewer rate increase would result in an estimated increase of around $2–$3 per month on the sewer portion of the bill.

Here’s a simplified example:

Estimated difference: about $1.96 more per month, or roughly $23–$25 per year for an average household.

Actual bills will vary based on water usage, household size, and seasonal consumption.

⚠️ This is an estimate for illustration only. Individual bills may differ.

The city has published additional details and rate tables online. Residents can review the full sewer rate schedule and future projections at:

FortSmithAR.gov/SewerRates

The January 1, 2026 sewer rate increase is not a new or surprise action, but part of a long-term rate plan approved in early 2025. While sewer costs will continue to rise annually through 2030 under the current schedule, city leaders say the increases are necessary to maintain and modernize Fort Smith’s sewer system.

City officials say the increases are needed to fund maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and long-term system sustainability, while keeping the city compliant with environmental and regulatory requirements.

No. The 2026 increase is part of a multi-year plan approved in February 2025, which includes 3.5% annual sewer rate increases through 2030.

No. This increase applies to sewer service only. Water and sanitation rates are separate and not part of this approved adjustment.

The new rates take effect January 1, 2026, and will appear on sewer bills starting with the January billing cycle.

No. Sewer rates are set citywide through ordinance approval by the Board of Directors and apply to all customers.

The City of Fort Smith has published full rate tables and future projections at:
FortSmithAR.gov/SewerRates