There are three parts that make up the typical residential water bill. Let’s look at each part by itself.
Water Usage
Water is billed in 1,000 gallon increments. Your water meter is read to determine how many thousand gallon increments will be used for billing. In the picture, the meter reading is 9530 and the utility only reads the 9 because you are billed in 1,000 gallon increments. (Note: Your meter reading does not change to a 10 until the meter rolls over the 10,000 mark.)
Example:
Last month’s meter reading was 5. The water usage for this bill would be:
-
Current reading less prior month’s reading
-
The 4,000 gallons is billed at $4.40 per 1,000 gallons
Water Base Charge
Water Base charges are determined by the size of the water service. A typical residential customer has a 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch water service which is $10.00 per month base charge. Larger-sized services for a commercial or industrial customer have higher charges.
Public Fire Protection
Public Fire Protection charges are also based on the size of the water service. A typical residential customer would have a $12.15 per month charge. And, similar to the water base charges, larger-sized services will have higher charges.
Bill Calculation
| Water Usage |
$17.60 |
|
| Water Base |
$10.00 |
|
| Public Fire Protection |
$12.15 |
|
| Total |
$39.75 |
|