What Is the Sewer Charge and How Is It Calculated?
Understand the often-overlooked sewer charge. Learn its true purpose, how your contribution is determined, and how to read your bill.
A sewer charge is a fee for wastewater management services. It covers the safe removal of used water from homes and businesses, contributing to public health and environmental protection.
What a Sewer Charge Represents
Sewer charges cover the infrastructure and operational costs of wastewater systems. These funds support the collection of wastewater through a vast network of underground pipes. Wastewater is then conveyed to treatment plants. Here, it undergoes processes to remove pollutants before safe discharge into the environment.
Beyond daily operations, charges also finance maintenance and repair of sewer infrastructure. This includes upgrading aging pipes, pumps, and equipment, and expanding capacity for community growth. Funds also ensure compliance with federal and local environmental regulations for wastewater treatment and discharge.
How Sewer Charges Are Determined
Sewer charge calculation methods vary among utility providers, reflecting local needs and billing practices. A common approach bases the sewer charge on a property’s metered water consumption. Most water entering a property is assumed to eventually become wastewater. Usage is often measured in centum cubic feet (CCF) or per 1,000 gallons.
Some residential customers’ charges are based on average water usage during “winter” months (e.g., December-February). This accounts for outdoor water use, like irrigation, which does not enter the sewer system. Other systems may apply a percentage, such as 95%, of total water consumption to determine billable sewer volume.
Less frequently, sewer charges are determined by a flat rate, a fixed amount charged regardless of water usage. Properties may also face charges influenced by characteristics like property size, number of occupants, or property type (residential vs. commercial). This can also include fees for impervious surfaces, which contribute to stormwater runoff entering the sewer system.
Understanding Your Sewer Bill
Sewer charges typically appear as a distinct line item on a utility bill, often combined with water charges. Many utility providers issue these bills on a monthly or quarterly cycle. Locating the specific sewer charge involves reviewing the detailed breakdown of services on the statement. The bill will display the amount owed for sewer services, which might be presented alongside water consumption details.
Payment options are outlined on the bill or the utility provider’s website. These options commonly include online payment portals, mail-in payments, or automatic bank deductions. It is advisable to consult your utility bill or provider’s customer service for payment instructions and billing cycle information.