Sewer Rate Calculations
Limit Water Use Now to Lower Sewer Cost Later!
To help both our local environment, and your utility bill's bottom line, now's the time to examine how (and how much) water you use throughout your home. The key message here is during the four winter months of December through March, be sure to limit your water usage.
Each year, the City calculates your residential sewer charge based on bills from those four months (actually billed between January and April). Your "upper limit" sewer charge, which is the most you will be charged in any month during the following 12 months, is established by using the second highest water consumption billed during those four months.
Why the four winter months?
Typically, most customers use large amounts of water during the hot
summer months - watering lawns and gardens, taking
frequent showers, washing cars, and so on.
Customers usually reduce their water usage in the
winter. So rather than billing based on heavy summer
use, the City uses the winter months when your
water use should be a good deal less.
Why the second highest month?
Even if you have
a month of high water usage during the four winter
consumption month to further ensure you get the
lowest charge possible.
So check your home now for water leaks,
especially in sinks, inside and outside faucets, and
toilets. Run full loads in the dishwasher and use
appropriate load settings for
your washing machine. It's also
a good idea to review how
your family uses water
because the more water
you use this winter, the
higher your sewer bill
will be. For more
information on sewer
bills and water conservation contact Your
Own Utilities at 891-4YOU (4968).