Some utilities measure both water entering the house and waste leaving to the sewer, but many utilities have only one meter on location and will charge both volumes based on water entering the house. This is yet another reason to reduce your own water use. Most utilities charge a set flat fee the "Water Base Facility Charge" in the example that helps to pay for the base costs of providing water including the electricity needed to transport and clean the water, the personnel and others costs of daily maintenance of the delivery system and other fixed operating costs.
The bill also shows a similar facility charge for sewer and a "rate case expense surcharge" to help pay for the utility's rate setting process. The "regulatory assessment fee" helps the utility pay for costs associated with maintaining regulatory compliance with clean water statutes. Finally, some utilities charge fees similar to the "Deferred Capital Expense Surcharge" which puts money into a fund to help pay for long term investments in improvements to infrastructure such as new pipes, treatment facilities or reservoirs.
This second bill is an example of an efficient user with an increasing block rate structure. You can see that the utility has even labeled the various blocks with its corresponding water use efficiency level. The above user falls into the "Efficient" group and so avoids the much higher per unit costs of the next three tiers.
Some utilities will forgive various surcharges for its most efficient users because their below average water use places less burden on the system and reduces demand for new sources of water and pipes to transport this water.
If you're curious for what various surcharges and other charges on your utility bill mean, you can usually find that information either on the back or appendix of the bill or on your local water utility's website. Utilities will often use the back of the bill as a "message area" This area will sometimes have information on rebate programs, water efficient products or other tips on water conservation.
If you're looking for more information on how your bill functions, you can visit the following sites: For an example on how rates are set, where the money goes and example rates, see the DC Water page on Rates and Metering. For an example of an interactive, comparative utility bills, visit WaterSmart Software or oPower.
Click here if you are part of the media, an educator, manufacturer, professional or promotional partner. Washington, D. Jump to main content. Home Menu. How much do you use? What is your usage trend? How does your use compare to that of your neighbor? How are you being charged? What are my charges going towards? An example "message area" on a bill. Looking for something a bit more technical?
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