Key Facts
• Chiba City to propose a sewerage fee hike at the council meeting starting September 4, 2025.
• Fees to increase by 13.6% starting April 1, 2026, due to financial shortfalls.
• Average household (20 cubic meters/month) to see a monthly increase of 289 yen.
• The hike will impact approximately 480,000 households in the city.
• Reasons include reduced revenue post-COVID-19, increased prefectural contributions, and rising maintenance costs.
• Mayor Toshikazu Kamiya emphasized efforts to minimize the increase and ensure accountability.
Summary
Chiba City plans to raise sewerage fees by 13.6% starting April 2026, citing financial challenges such as reduced revenue from decreased corporate activity post-COVID-19, higher contributions to the prefecture, and rising maintenance costs. The proposal will be submitted during the city council meeting beginning September 4, 2025. For an average household using 20 cubic meters of water monthly, this will mean an additional 289 yen per month. The increase is expected to affect nearly 480,000 households. Mayor Toshikazu Kamiya stated that the city has worked to limit the fee hike and will ensure transparency in explaining the decision.
