Columbia Council approves water rate hike of up to 150% over next 5 years for new infrastructure

Columbia Council approves water rate hike of up to 150% over next 5 years for new infrastructure

Dozens of people packed the chambers of Columbia City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, waiting for a chance to speak on proposed Columbia Power and Water System water rate increases. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson)COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Columbia’s City Council on Thursday approved water rate hikes of up to 20% per year over the next five years to fund a new $520 million intake on the Duck River and a new water treatment plant. The rate increase will aff…