Single family residential accounts also show Volume charges in tiers. What does this mean?
- February 16, 2024 |
While the “meter charge” shown remains the same each month, a portion of the water charge varies according to the amount of water used during the billing period (the “volume charges.”) For our single-family residential customers, the volume charge is based on tiers that are less at lower water usage levels than at higher levels.
Tiered rate structures are quite common, as they enable water for basic household necessities to be priced particularly affordably, while providing customers greater ability to influence their overall water charges through management of the more optional water uses associated with higher usage levels. As our costs increase substantially at higher water usage levels, under this structure those customers with higher demands also pay more for the system costs that result from their high usage.
To provide a frame of reference, most residential customers remain within the lowest tier (of 5,000 gallons) during the winter months. If your use exceeds this amount in the winter, it may be beneficial for you to look for possible leaks or consider replacing old plumbing fixtures with new efficient options. Note that we have rebates for replacing old toilets.
The second tier extends to an average usage level for residential customers during typical summer months (25,000 gallons). This is a much more generous allowance under a second tier than most utilities utilize. If your usage goes into the highest tier, you might consider changes to your landscape or irrigation to reduce your water use. We offer services to assist you. These include suggested sprinkler scheduling times based on current weather, which you can access by calling our automated Lawn Watering Infoline at 541-774-2460. We also offer free sprinkler system evaluations that many customers find very beneficial; call us at 541-774-2435 if you’d like to schedule one.