Residential Sewer Charges

The single-family residential sewer commodity rate is adjusted each year based on 85% of the average of the lowest winter water use for the prior three years. The rate remains the same for a twelve-month period.

  1. How is My Single Family Residential Sewer Rate Calculated

How is My Wastewater Bill Determined?

Step 1

The City uses three years of winter water use data covering the November through April bi-monthly billing periods in determining residential wastewater rates.

  • This approach provides a less volatile change in annual rates for ratepayers year over year.

Step 2

The lowest winter billing period for each of the three most recent years is selected and averaged together.

  • This amount represents the winter water use, or essential water use, for your home.

Step 3

To reflect that not all indoor water is returned to the sewer system, a factor of 85% is used. This is an industry best practice to represent residential wastewater flow.

  • This factors in water use for cooking, cleaning, and other activities that don’t put water down the drain.

Step 4

The wastewater flow (not to exceed 24 units) is multiplied by the current variable rate to provide the commodity rate, or variable component, of the wastewater bill.

  • A variable component is more equitable as it helps accurately reflect water usage.

Step 5

The variable component is then added to the fixed charge to provide the updated bi-monthly wastewater charge for the residence.

  • The fixed component helps ensure the financial resiliency and sustainability of the wastewater system.

Step 6

The new charge is effective January 1 and is reflected on the following bill statement, depending on the billing cycle.

  • Updating the wastewater charge specific to the residence each year more accurately reflects usage trends.


How is my wastewater bill determined