Q&A

Base Rate Schedule for Sewer and Water Monthly Charges

Sewer

Q: What is the monthly sewer base rate (fixed service charge)?
A: The monthly sewer base rate, also called the fixed service charge, is a set amount billed each month to maintain your sewer service connection, regardless of usage. Below is the approved rate schedule:

  • April 24, 2025: $67.76
  • May 1, 2026: $78.60
  • March 1, 2027: $84.81
  • March 1, 2028: $87.53
  • March 1, 2029: $90.15
  • March 1, 2030: $92.86

Water

Q: What is the monthly water base rate (fixed service charge)?
A: The monthly water base rate, also called the fixed service charge, is a set amount billed each month based on your meter size to maintain your water service connection, regardless of usage. Below is the approved rate schedule:

¾” Meter:

  • April 24, 2025: $42.59
  • May 1, 2026: $53.66
  • March 1, 2027: $60.10
  • March 1, 2028: $62.38
  • March 1, 2029: $64.44
  • March 1, 2030: $66.37

1” Meter:

  • April 24, 2025: $70.98
  • May 1, 2026: $89.43
  • March 1, 2027: $100.16
  • March 1, 2028: $103.97
  • March 1, 2029: $107.40
  • March 1, 2030: $110.62

Water Usage (Consumption) 

Q: What are water usage (consumption) charges?
A: Water usage charges are based on the amount of water you actually use. These charges are billed separately from the monthly base (fixed service) fee and are calculated per 1,000 gallons of water used. Below is the approved rate schedule:

  • April 24, 2025: $2.97 per 1,000 gallons
  • May 1, 2026: $3.74 per 1,000 gallons
  • March 1, 2027: $4.19 per 1,000 gallons
  • March 1, 2028: $4.35 per 1,000 gallons
  • March 1, 2029: $4.49 per 1,000 gallons
  • March 1, 2030: $4.63 per 1,000 gallons

Q: When am I charged for water usage?
A: You are only charged for water usage when water is actually consumed. If no water is used, no usage charges will apply; however, the monthly base (fixed service) fee will still be billed if the account is active.

When Charges Apply to Your Activated Account

Q: What charges apply when I open a water/sewer account?
A: Once your account is activated, you will be billed a monthly base rate for sewer and water services. Water usage charges are billed separately and only apply if you use water.

Q: Will I be charged if I do not use any water?
A: Yes. If your account is active, base rate charges will still be billed each month, even if no water is used.

Q: How can I avoid being charged when I am not using water?
A: You must inform SCWD in advance. To avoid charges, you should either delay activating your account or request that it be opened and immediately placed in inactive status.

Q: What happens when my account is placed in inactive status?
A: The meter will be locked, a final reading will be recorded, and no further base or usage charges will apply while the account remains inactive.

 Account Responsibility When Tenants Vacate or Accounts Are Not Closed

Q: As a landlord, am I responsible for charges if my tenant moves out and I do not notify SCWD?

A: SCWD bills services to the account holder of record. If a tenant vacates and SCWD is not notified to close, transfer, or inactivate the account, the account will remain active and monthly base (fixed service) charges and any usage charges will continue to accrue.

The account holder of record is responsible for all charges on the account until SCWD receives notice and processes an account change or inactivation request.