Water Bill Amounts May Drop This Month

Tulsa residents may get a pleasant surprise when they open their water bills this month. Sewer rates have been adjusted, and this year that may mean a drop in the billed amount for the average household.

The annual sewer cap recalculation occurs this time each year and appears on the bills for April (received in May). City of Tulsa water customers should expect to receive a letter soon outlining the change in the base sewer rate that will be effective for them this year.

“Basically, the sewer cap recalculation is figured by looking at the household’s drinking water usage over the months of January, February and March,” said Charles Hardt, Public Works Director.  “Your annual sewer rate is calculated from this metered drinking water use, since sewage water is not metered.”

 “In the winter of 2005-2006, our warm temperatures and drought situation caused people to use more water. So the cost for sewer service for many people rose last year,” Hardt explained. “This year, winter temperatures were lower and rain was more plentiful. Water usage was normal. That means that most consumers may see a drop in the base sewer rate to the pre-2005 level.”

The sewer rate is $2.87 per month for every 1,000 gallons of drinking water used. Drinking water usage is used for this calculation because it is measured by the home’s water meter. Each customer pays the base rate for the meter. For example, each month, $4.04 is charged for a standard 5/8 inch meter, plus the rate for the amount of water used. A family using 2,000 gallons of water each month during the winter monitoring period would be charged $4.04 (for the meter) plus $2.87 x 2 (for the 2,000 gallons). The total is $9.78 for the month.

Any customer whose monthly water use during the sampling period increased by 4,000 gallons or more is mailed a letter explaining the higher cost of sewer services, based on their bills.

Customers can request a review if they believe the change is in error. Customers who receive the notification letters and have questions can call the customer service office at City Hall, 596-9511.

Customers who water their lawns extensively are encouraged to install a separate meter for irrigation systems. No sewer charges are assessed for consumption on irrigation meters, since the water does not enter the sanitary sewer system.