What Is Included in a Sewer Bill?
Gain clarity on your sewer bill. Understand how wastewater collection, treatment, and infrastructure costs are funded.
A sewer bill represents the charges for managing wastewater from homes and businesses, covering its collection, treatment, and disposal. These charges are essential for funding the infrastructure and operations that protect public health and the environment. Utility providers issue these bills, often combined with water bills, to maintain wastewater systems.
Core Sewer Service Charges
The primary components of a sewer bill include usage-based charges and fixed or base charges. Usage-based charges, usually the largest part, directly correlate with the amount of water a property consumes, since most indoor water usage ultimately enters the sewer system as wastewater. These charges cover the operational costs of treating the specific volume of wastewater generated.
Fixed or base charges are flat fees applied uniformly to all customers, regardless of their water consumption. These fees support administrative functions, routine maintenance of the sewer infrastructure, and ensure system readiness. They contribute to the stable funding needed for the ongoing upkeep of wastewater treatment facilities and collection networks.
Additional Fees and Surcharges
Beyond core service charges, sewer bills can include additional fees and surcharges for specific needs or regulatory requirements. Stormwater management fees fund the collection and treatment of rainwater runoff, which helps prevent flooding and pollution in local waterways. These fees are distinct from wastewater treatment and support infrastructure like storm drains and retention ponds.
Environmental or regulatory surcharges cover costs of complying with environmental protection laws and mandates. These charges help finance pollution control measures, monitoring, and programs to maintain water quality standards set by federal or state agencies. These surcharges help utilities meet environmental regulations.
Infrastructure or capital improvement fees fund major upgrades, repairs, or expansion projects for the sewer system. These charges support the long-term health and capacity of the wastewater network, including pipelines, pump stations, and treatment plants. Additionally, applicable local or state sales taxes or utility taxes may be added to the total sewer bill.
Understanding Charge Calculation
Sewer charges are determined by a property’s fresh water consumption, measured by a water meter. This is because nearly all indoor water used, such as for toilets, showers, and laundry, eventually flows into the sewer system. This water usage is often measured in units like centum cubic feet (CCF), where one CCF equals 100 cubic feet or approximately 748 gallons.
For properties without individual water meters, sewer charges are based on estimated usage or a flat rate. These estimates can consider factors the number of occupants, the type of property, or a predetermined monthly fee. This approach provides a consistent billing method where direct usage measurement is not feasible.
A common billing methodology for residential customers is “winter averaging.” This method calculates a customer’s sewer usage based on their average water consumption during specific winter months, typically when outdoor water use (like irrigation) is minimal. This winter average then sets the sewer charge for the rest of the year, preventing customers from being billed for water that does not enter the sewer system.
Some utility providers use tiered or progressive billing structures. The rate charged per unit of water consumed increases as usage crosses specific thresholds. This encourages water conservation, as higher consumption results in a higher per-unit cost for sewer services.