Water Rates

Overview

Water rates have been modified effective March 1, 2026.
For a non-inclusive summary of the modified rates as well as detailed schedules for all customer classes effective March 1, 2026, click here.
These modifications average 13.6% for single-family residential customers in Medford with a ¾” meter (for average monthly usage of 10,000 gallons, these customers will see their monthly bill go from $37.58 to $42.67).
See our Water Rates FAQs for more information on what water rates pay for and why modifications are necessary.

Medford Water operates and maintains the system that delivers high-quality drinking water to approximately 150,000 Rogue Valley residents. There are significant expenses associated with storing, treating, and transporting water for people to use. These costs are the basis for fees that all water providers charge, with the goal of ensuring that charges are allocated in a fair manner. To do this, we conduct annual third-party studies to determine the revenue necessary to fund replacement of aging infrastructure (parts of our system are over 100 years old), and improvements and expansion of existing facilities. New resilient facilities that store, treat, and transport water also need to be constructed. Inflationary increases in operating costs—such as electricity and treatment chemicals—are a factor as well.

We receive no support from local taxes and our revenues do not support other City of Medford work; revenue from water rates and other fees stay with us to be invested in the water system. This means we operate on revenue primarily from water sales, as well as system development charges, and fees for specific services. Even after modifications, our water rates are still low compared with similar communities in our area, statewide, and nationwide. Rates are reviewed annually and any modifications are approved by the Board of Water Commissioners at a public hearing in December, taking effect March 1 of the next year.

What Do Water Rates Pay For?

• Inflationary increases in operating costs (such as electricity, water meters, and treatment chemicals)
• Replacement of aging infrastructure (parts of our system are over 100 years old)
• Maintenance and expansion of the water system and existing facilities
• Water treatment and filtration
• Constructing, maintaining, and replacing water facilities that store, treat, and transport water to customers
• Complying with regulatory standards 
• Providing customer service
• Building a more resilient water system that will help us continue to serve the Rogue Valley into our second hundred years

Water Rates FAQs

_{Current Rates}

Choose an option below to view our current water rates, effective March 1, 2026, as well as SDCs and other charges. 

These rates apply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers we directly serve within the city of Medford, Oregon, and a small number of customers in unincorporated areas, including White City. Additionally, Elk City Water District purchases water from us; we provide billing and customer service on behalf of both White City and the District.

Medford Water also serves several other cities on a surplus, wholesale basis: Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Talent, and Ashland. Customers in these cities should contact their city water department for their local water rates and assistance with their water account.

Questions?

More questions about what rates pay for, where your dollar goes, or why rate modifications are sometimes necessary and how they are calculated? See our Water Rates FAQs. Call 541-774-2430 or email us at customerservice@medfordwater.org for additional questions.