Delaware River Basin Commission Adjusts Water and Regulatory Fees for 2026

You might care about this because the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has updated its regulatory program fees and water charges. These new rates will apply for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. The DRBC is a federal-interstate agency. Its job is to manage the water resources across the Delaware River Basin. This includes parts of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Each year, the DRBC adjusts its fees. This adjustment is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Philadelphia. For 2026, the CPI showed a 4.8% increase. This means all fees and water charges will also go up by 4.8%. This affects fees for applying for water allocation or wastewater discharge permits. It also changes annual monitoring fees. There are also adjustments to other administrative fees. These include charges for emergency approvals or changes of ownership. Finally, the rates for using water, both consumptive (water that is used up) and non-consumptive (water returned to the basin), are also changing. For instance, consumptive use will be $110 per million gallons. Non-consumptive use will be $1.10 per million gallons. These changes ensure the DRBC has the funds to manage the basin's water. What makes this document interesting is how the DRBC manages its finances and operations. It shows a clear and consistent method for adjusting costs. The DRBC does not just arbitrarily raise prices. Instead, it follows a rule that links its fees to economic changes. Specifically, it uses the Consumer Price Index for Philadelphia. This index measures the average change in prices over time. By tying its fee adjustments to this index, the DRBC creates a predictable system. This predictability is important for businesses and local governments operating within the basin. They can anticipate future cost changes. This approach helps the DRBC maintain a fair and transparent process. It ensures the commission has resources to protect and manage water, while also being accountable to those who pay the fees. This yearly adjustment process is a standard practice for the DRBC. It reflects how they adapt to economic conditions while keeping their core mission. People and groups who would find this legal document relevant include businesses and industries in the Delaware River Basin. This is especially true for those that use water from the basin or discharge wastewater into it. This includes manufacturers, power generators, agricultural operations, and public water suppliers. Local and state governments within Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania will also be interested. They often deal with water management and regulatory compliance. Legal professionals specializing in environmental law or administrative law might also find it useful. Their clients could be affected by these fee changes. Anyone involved in regional planning or resource management could use this information. Environmental advocacy groups would also pay attention. The fees directly support the DRBC's ability to protect the basin's water. Researchers or academics studying water policy and regional governance would find this document informative. It provides a real-world example of how water resources are managed and funded.