Interpret Your Bill for Surcharges & Changes

On the front of your bill you will find the following information:

Meter Readings

The previous reading and the current reading is shown on your bill.

The amount used is the difference between the previous and current readings. The consumption is in cubic feet. To convert cubic feet to gallons multiply by 7.5. Remember to add all water meters together if you have more than one account.

Billing Information

Note: Sewer charges and surcharges are based on the water consumption (amount of water used) unless a sewer flume meter and account have been set up.

  1. Sewer Surcharges
  2. Calculations
  3. Surcharge & Monitoring Fees
  4. Helpful Links

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities charges sewer surcharge fees for discharges containing high-strength waste. The concentration of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are determined through representative sampling of your wastewater discharge. Sewer surcharges are applied in excess of 200 milligrams per liter (mg/l). If you do not have a rate listed, this means that your concentration was below the 200 mg/l. Your surcharge is listed as pounds on your bill.

  • BOD Rate: Cost of treating one thousand pounds of BOD = $211
  • TSS Rate: Cost of treating one thousand pounds of TSS = $161

Additional Information

Any outside laboratory analyses shall be charged at the actual analytical cost. If you have questions concerning these charges, please call the IWC section at 336-397-7621 or email Industrial Wastewater Control.