UNDERSTANDING YOUR WATER BILL

I got my water bill, why is it higher than the last one?

Why is the sewer charge higher than the water?

I’m putting in a new lawn; can I get a break on sewer charges?

How much is a cubic foot of water?

How do I figure out my bill?

Above are frequently asked questions about the quarterly water/wastewater treatment bill.  What do you know about your “Water Bill”?

The City’s Department of Public Utilities provides the community with water service and wastewater treatment.  The charges for these services are based on volume of water measured by a water meter at each residence.  Water rates are established by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Wastewater Treatment rates by the City Council.  With the exception of a few high volume customers, bills for water and wastewater treatment are prepared quarterly.  You may not receive your bill at the same time as your friend on the other side of town because the City is divided into three sections for billing purposes.  For example, East Hill customers are billed March, June, September, and December, while West Hill customers are billed February, May, August, and November and South Hill, January, April, July, and October.

The water portion of your bill is comprised of a set quarterly charge based on the size of your meter and a water volume charge.  The volume charge of your bill is calculated using quarterly meter readings taken and measured by cubic feet, billed by hundred cubic feet (CCF).  For comparison purposes, 1 CCF is equal to 748 gallons.  Water volume rates have a tiered rate based on volume.

The wastewater treatment portion of your bill is comprised of a fixed billing charge and volume charge.  The fixed billing charge is for operation and maintenance and debt service.  The wastewater treatment charge is based on volume registered through the water meter. 

The City of Chippewa Falls automatically calculates a “sprinkling allowance” for most residential properties.  An assumption is made that most residential customers will use water not requiring wastewater treatment in the summer months watering lawns or gardens, washing cars and other outside activities.  The “sprinkling allowance” recognizes the consumption in the first winter quarter is probably average and does not charge for any wastewater usage above that amount the following two summer quarters.  Of course to automatically receive this allowance, the residence must be occupied the full winter quarter.  If not, the utility office can be contacted to arrange an allowance.

Water and wastewater treatment bills are due and payable on the first of the month following the period for which service is rendered.  A late payment charge of 1 percent (1%) per month is added if not paid within 20 days of issuance.

If you have any questions regarding your bill or the rate schedule, please stop by City Hall, 30 W. Central Street, Room 209, or contact our office at 726-2741, Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 4:30.