The Basics of a Water Budget

A water budget is the expected amount of water that a customer will need for a specific month, based on the lot size of each customer.  A monthly budget will vary due to seasonal outdoor watering needs.  It is important to remember that a customer will only be billed for the amount of water they use regardless of what your actual budget is.

How we calculate your bill

For comparison purposes the examples below show the effects of the new water budget

based rate structure system, which no longer will include 10 units in the flat rate charge.

2011 Winter rates will apply to water used in the months of October thru May as follows:

2011 Summer rates will apply to water used in the months of June thru September as follows:

How your bill and your budget will work together

Indoor allotments are fixed at 4,200 gallons per month, UNLESS an Adjustment Application has been submitted for an increased amount of water due to a residence including MORE than 3 full time occupants, in which case the indoor allotment has been adjusted accordingly, (1,000 gallons per additional person, 500 gallons per child for childcare facilities).

The outdoor allotment is, as stated above, based on the square footage of the lot and allows for the amount of water required per square foot to maintain a healthy landscape of moderate water usage plants within our climate zone.  The annual amount allotted is calculated as follows:

The first 5,000 square feet of lot receives 19 gallons per square foot per year

The next 9,000 square feet of lot receives 17 gallons per square foot per year

Square footage over 14,000 will receive 14 gallons per square foot per year 

For example purposes we will assume that a particular lot is 12,500 square feet and there are no more than 3 people living in the home.  Based on this information the total annual outdoor allotment would be 222,500 gallons and is calculated as follows:

The first 5,000 square feet of lot x 19 gallons per square foot  =   95,000 gallons annually 

The next 7,500 square feet of lot x 17 gallons per square foot  = 127,500 gallons annually

             12,500 square foot lot                                                  222,500 gallons annually

Now add in indoor allotment for 3 people at 4,200 gallons

per month x 12 months  = 50,400 gallons annually                   = 272,900 Total annual gallons                                                        

The total budgeted amount for this customer for the month of June is 33,125 gallons or 44 units.  This customer has been very efficient in his water use and has used 20,196 gallons or 27 units, which allows him to stay within the Conservation Tier and pay a discounted rate below the base rate for his usage.  His bill for usage would breakdown as shown below:

                                                                                                                                                                                            Total: $ 23.49 

Using the same annual allotment information the customer has been budgeted 35,350 gallons or 47 units for the month of August.  Unfortunately this customer has chosen to be wasteful with his water use and has used 85,272 gallons or 114 units for which he will be billed up to and including the highest tier as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                            Total:           $ 194.07

Please note: The above charges are for water usage only and do not include the flat rate charge of either $21.63 per month for a ¾” meter or $31.13 per month for a 1” meter.