Plainfield Township Water Rates Change in 2026

Plainfield Charter Township will shift to tiered water rates and monthly billing in January 2026 to manage peak summer demand driven by PFAS contamination that forced the closure of several wells.

Cameron Van Wygarden, the township's superintendent, outlined a three-point strategy: conserve current supply, increase well production, and pursue a long-term solution. The new rate structure charges all residential customers the same amount for their first 2,000 gallons, then higher rates for additional usage. Light users may see bills decrease since the first tier sits below the current flat rate.

Summer consumption in Plainfield runs three to four times higher than winter use, with the top 10 percent of residential customers accounting for 37 percent of peak-season water. Van Wygarden said reducing peak demand could delay a $50-60 million water treatment plant expansion by years or decades.

Commercial customers will keep flat rates except for a two-tier structure on irrigation meters. Monthly billing replaces quarterly billing and allows residents to track usage before costs climb. The township will charge $1 for paper bills; customers who choose paperless billing avoid the fee.

Plainfield contracted with PayIt, the online payment vendor used by Kent County and Grand Rapids, to process electronic payments. The township will provide signup details when the system launches.

Residents with questions can call Plainfield Township at 616-726-8890 or visit the township website for rate tables and details.