How is the sewer charge figured and why is it more than water?
For residential customers the first year the sewer charge is based on the number of residents in the home. After one year of wintertime water usage (Jan-April), the sewer charge is adjusted based on average for the four months. Following a second consecutive (Jan-April), the rate will be further adjusted according to the demonstrated water usage for the total eights months. Every year thereafter, the rate will be adjusted using the previous 3 years history average, then multiplied by the current sewer rate as determined by Public Works and approved by City Council. This determines the sewer charge to be applied to the account until the following July. Because the cost of sewage treatment is higher than our cost for clean water, the sewer rate is higher than the water rate. Non-residential sewer charges are based on actual bimonthly water usage.
