What Is a Water and Sewer Bill? All Charges Explained

A water and sewer bill represents charges for essential public utilities that support daily life and community well-being. These invoices compensate local providers for delivering clean water to homes and businesses, as well as for collecting and treating wastewater. The funds collected through these bills are reinvested to maintain, operate, and upgrade the extensive infrastructure necessary for these services. Understanding the various charges on a water and sewer bill can provide insight into how these fundamental systems are financed and managed.

Core Services and Billing Basis

Water service involves the delivery of potable water suitable for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes directly to properties. This clean water travels through a vast network of pipes from treatment plants to individual connections. Conversely, sewer service manages the collection, transportation, and treatment of wastewater generated from sinks, toilets, and other drains. This wastewater is channeled away from properties to treatment facilities before being safely returned to the environment.

Billing for water services is primarily based on the volume of water consumed, measured by a water meter installed on the property. These meters record the flow of water, typically in units of cubic feet (CCF or HCF) or gallons. Readings are taken at regular intervals, often monthly or quarterly, to determine the usage during a specific billing period. (8, 14, 25)

For sewer services, direct measurement of wastewater leaving a property is generally impractical for residential customers. Consequently, sewer charges are usually estimated based on the volume of incoming water recorded by the water meter. (1, 8, 45) Most water entering a property eventually becomes wastewater that enters the sewer system. In some areas, allowances may be made for outdoor water usage that does not enter the sewer, such as water used for irrigation, by basing sewer charges on average winter water consumption or by using a separate irrigation meter. (1, 17)

Key Components of the Bill

Water and sewer bills comprise several types of charges that collectively cover the costs of providing these services. Usage-based charges (volumetric charges) form a significant portion of the bill and are directly tied to the amount of water consumed. These charges are often calculated using tiered rates, where the cost per unit of water increases as consumption crosses certain thresholds. (2, 3, 7) For instance, the first few thousand gallons might be billed at a lower rate, with subsequent blocks of usage incurring higher rates to encourage conservation. (2, 9, 13)

Beyond usage, bills include fixed charges, also known as service fees or base charges, which are recurring amounts applied regardless of consumption. (18, 33) These fees help cover the ongoing costs of maintaining the utility’s infrastructure, such as pipes, treatment plants, and customer service operations. (18, 19, 30) Examples include base service charges, meter fees, and administrative costs associated with billing. (6, 18)

Additional charges may appear on a water and sewer bill, reflecting other services or regulatory requirements. Stormwater management fees are increasingly common, covering the costs associated with managing rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs and driveways. (4, 38, 39) These fees support infrastructure designed to prevent flooding and protect water quality. (4, 46) Environmental surcharges may also be included, which help utilities recover expenses related to complying with environmental regulations. (20, 26, 40, 47) Local taxes or other municipal assessments can also be integrated into the total bill amount.

Understanding Your Bill Statement

A water and sewer bill statement details usage and charges. The service period is typically displayed, indicating the dates for which the charges apply, often spanning a month or a quarter. (28, 32) Meter readings are also presented, showing both the previous reading and the current reading, alongside the calculated water usage for the billing cycle. (15, 28, 32)

The bill typically itemizes the different charges. This includes distinct line items for water usage, sewer usage, fixed service fees, and any additional surcharges like stormwater or environmental fees. (28, 33) Each charge will show the rate applied and the quantity it corresponds to, such as a per-unit cost for water usage or a flat fee for base services. (37) The statement also provides important administrative details.

The account number uniquely identifies the customer’s service. (15, 28) The due date for payment is clearly indicated, with many utilities imposing late penalties for payments received after this date. (29, 31, 48) Information on various payment options, such as online portals, mail-in addresses, or in-person payment locations, is also provided. (15, 42, 48) Additionally, contact information for the utility provider is usually listed, enabling customers to inquire about their bill or services. (15)

Responsibility and Common Scenarios

Responsibility for water and sewer bills depends on the living situation and the terms of property agreements. For homeowners, direct responsibility rests with them. They receive the bill directly from the utility provider and are accountable for timely payment to avoid service interruption or penalties. (24) The utility account is usually set up in the homeowner’s name.

For renters and tenants, the arrangements can vary. In some rental agreements, water and sewer services are included as part of the monthly rent. (11, 12) In other scenarios, tenants are directly responsible for setting up utility accounts in their own names and paying the water and sewer bills. (12) A landlord may also sub-meter individual units and bill tenants based on their specific usage, or allocate costs among tenants if a single master meter serves multiple units. (12, 21)

The lease agreement is the primary document outlining these responsibilities, specifying which utilities the tenant is expected to pay. (11, 22) Unpaid water bills can sometimes result in a lien on the property, even if the tenant was responsible for payment, especially with city-owned utilities. (11, 21)