Bull Shoals residents are beginning to see higher water bills in 2026 following increases approved by the city to address infrastructure repairs and ongoing maintenance.
According to Mayor Bill Stahlman, the city is dealing with rainwater infiltration problems in the sewer system that will require costly repairs.
“The city is working hard with other agencies to locate rainwater infiltration in our sewer system,” Stahlman said in a recent letter. “Once these locations are located it will be the city’s responsibility to fix these areas. This will come at a cost to us all.”
The rate changes took effect Jan. 1 and include a 50-cent increase per 1,000 gallons of water usage, along with a 2.8 percent cost of living adjustment applied monthly to both water and sewer bills.
The city has also completed rehabilitation work on the Browns Beach water tower, with improvements planned for the Bull Mountain tower later this year.
“The city will be putting aside money for a yearly maintenance program to keep these two towers in good and safe drinking water condition,” Stahlman said.
Under the new rates, the minimum monthly bill for a standard 3/4 inch residential water service is $25.24 for 2,000 gallons, with a sewer minimum of $21.95. Water usage above the minimum is billed at $7.63 per 1,000 gallons.
City officials estimate the combined minimum water and sewer bill for a typical residential customer increased by $2.26 per month. Trash service also increased by 50 cents due to a CPI adjustment, bringing the total monthly increase for most residential customers to $2.76 in 2026.
“The city still has a bargain on water,” Stahlman encouraged residents. “We as a nation need to understand that this is a precious commodity and we need to be more conscious of wasting it down the drain or on the lawn.”
Questions can be directed to the City of Bull Shoals by calling (870) 445-4775 or in person at 704 C S Woods Blvd.
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