text: In October 2013, Daphne Utilities approved a water and sewage rate hike of $21 million over three years. The rate hike will cover expenses related to expansion and compliance with federal regulations. The average increase will amount to $3.66 per month for the average residential customer.
  Electrical service is provided by the Foley, Alabama based Riviera Utilities. Riviera resells electric current and has no generation facilities of its own. Landline telephone service is provided by AT&T. The city is in the 251 area code. Land based cable television service is provided by Mediacom.
  Because of Daphne's proximity to the coast, all utilities prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes which often impact delivery of services.
  Healthcare
  Daphne is served by numerous physicians, surgeons and dentists. Two urgent care facilities offer walk-in service. Outpatient services are provided for diagnostic and surgical interventions. The city is also served by Thomas Hospital, a level III, 150 bed hospital in Fairhope, Alabama, 5 miles to the south. Across the bay in Mobile, there are several tertiary care facilities.
  Thomas Hospital is owned by Infirmary Health System of Mobile. The system was named one of the top 57 healthcare systems in the nation in 2011 while Thomas Hospital was ranked as one of the top 20 medium-sized hospitals.