Frequently Asked Question Regarding the New July 1, 2009 Water and Sewer Rate Structure

Q. Why is there a new rate structure?

A. The new water rate structure (increasing block for water) is the most common conservation rate structure used by municipalities. The concept of conservation rate structures is to compel the water customer to implement water conservation measures and practices.

Q. When will I get my first bill with the new rate structure and base charges?

A. You will start seeing the new rate structure and the base charges in subsequent bills after July 1, 2009.

Q. Why does the base water charge depend on the size of my water connection?

A. The base charge is set based on meter size so that operational costs associated with replacing, reading, and rebuilding the meter, as well as providing adequate flow and pressure to those meters are covered. The factors that apply to how a base charge is set are established by the American Water and Wastewater Association standards.

Q. I live in Forsyth County. Why do I pay more for water than Winston-Salem residents?

A. The cost of delivering dependable water depends on the expense of operating and maintaining the water system, the cost of the electricity used to pump the water from its source to homes and businesses; the salaries of meter-readers, technicians, administrative staff and others who help run the water utility.

Depending on where you live, these costs can vary from city to county. Communities in locations that are further away from water sources may pay additional costs to have pipes extended out to their area.

Q. Do other water and sewer systems use this type of rate structure?

A. As of FY2008, out of 462 water rate structures in North Carolina, there are 21% residential water rate structures using increasing block structure and 11% for wastewater.

While we have adopted the new increasing block rate structure for water service, our wastewater rate structure still remains a uniform rate structure.

Still have a question? Please send in your question by using this web form.