Why Is My Sewer Bill Higher Than Water?

Many consumers find their sewer bill higher than their water bill. This article clarifies why, shedding light on the distinct processes and financial structures that govern water and sewer utilities.

Fundamental Differences Between Water and Sewer Services

Water and sewer services, while seemingly linked, involve fundamentally different processes and infrastructure, leading to varying costs. Providing clean, potable water primarily entails sourcing, treating raw water to meet drinking water standards, and then distributing it through a network of pipes to homes and businesses.

Conversely, sewer services manage wastewater, which is inherently more complex and costly. This involves collecting used water from individual properties, transporting it through extensive underground networks, and then subjecting it to rigorous treatment processes before it can be safely discharged back into the environment. Wastewater treatment is often more energy-intensive and requires specialized chemical and biological processes compared to purifying drinking water.

The infrastructure required for wastewater management also contributes significantly to its higher cost. Sewer systems necessitate extensive maintenance, including the upkeep of vast networks of gravity-fed pipes, pumping stations to move wastewater uphill, and large, sophisticated treatment plants. Strict environmental regulations further add to the operational expenses for wastewater treatment facilities, as they must adhere to stringent discharge limits to protect public health and aquatic ecosystems.

How Sewer Charges Are Structured

Sewer charges are structured to recover costs associated with wastewater collection and treatment. A common approach is usage-based billing, where sewer fees are directly tied to metered water consumption. This makes water usage a practical proxy for wastewater generation, so higher water consumption results in a higher sewer bill.

Fixed charges are another common component of sewer bills, covering administrative costs and basic infrastructure regardless of actual usage. These base fees contribute to maintaining the extensive sewer system, including pipes, pumping stations, and treatment plants, which are necessary to provide continuous service. Some utilities may also implement tiered rates, where the price per unit of sewer usage increases as consumption rises, encouraging conservation.

A widely adopted billing method for residential customers is “winter averaging,” where a household’s sewer bill for the entire year is based on their average water usage during specific winter months. This method accounts for outdoor water usage, which generally does not enter the sewer system. By averaging winter usage, utilities aim to avoid charging customers for wastewater treatment on water used for irrigation. However, this can lead to higher sewer bills during peak outdoor water use periods if the averaged winter consumption is lower than current actual usage.

Additional surcharges and fees may also appear on sewer bills. These can include capital improvement fees to fund upgrades to aging infrastructure and environmental compliance fees to meet regulatory mandates.

Factors Affecting Individual Sewer Usage

A primary reason for a higher sewer bill is outdoor water use, such as watering lawns, filling swimming pools, or washing vehicles. While this water is metered and contributes to the overall water bill, it typically evaporates or is absorbed into the ground and does not enter the sanitary sewer system. However, if sewer charges are based on total metered water consumption, this outdoor use will still be included in the sewer bill calculation, thereby increasing the total amount charged for wastewater services.

Undetected leaks within a property also impact both water and sewer bills. A continuously running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a leak in an irrigation system can increase metered water usage. Since sewer charges are often calculated based on water consumption, this excessive water, even if it does not all enter the sewer system (as with outdoor leaks), can result in a higher sewer bill. Many utilities offer leak adjustments or credits for the water portion of the bill if a leak is promptly repaired and reported.

The frequent use of water-intensive appliances also directly influences metered water consumption and, subsequently, sewer charges. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines contribute directly to the volume of wastewater generated inside a home. While these are necessary uses, their frequent operation will naturally increase the amount of water recorded by the meter, which then translates into higher charges for both water supply and wastewater treatment.

Understanding Your Utility Statement

To understand your utility statement, locate the separate line items for water and sewer services, fixed charges, and surcharges. Utility bills typically provide a breakdown of these charges, often distinguishing between a base rate and a usage rate.

Identify the units of consumption used for billing, which are commonly expressed in gallons, cubic feet (CF), or hundreds of cubic feet (CCF or HCF). Understanding these units allows you to track your consumption patterns and how they translate into charges. Look for information regarding the per-unit rates or any tiered pricing structures applied to your water and sewer usage.

Review the billing period indicated on your statement to ensure you are comparing usage and costs for a consistent timeframe. If your utility employs winter averaging, remember that your sewer charges for much of the year will be based on your water usage during specific winter months, rather than your current month’s water consumption. If any part of the bill remains unclear, contacting your utility provider directly can help clarify specific components or explain the billing methodology applied to your account.