Sewer Rates

Sewage Rates


Although sewage is not metered specifically, it has a direct relationship to a citizen’s water usage. Water use is used as the basis for determining sewage charges.

There are two primary components to the water service charges: 
  • Pass-Through Wholesale Charge - This represents a pass-through rate equivalent to the charges paid by the City to the Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) for the purchase of water and treatment of wastewater.
  • City Charge - This rate is necessary to fund Highland Village’s Utility operation and costs, including maintenance of the system’s infrastructure.

Winter Average Program

With purpose of excluding outside watering usage from the City’s monthly sewage charge, the City uses a winter average approach. Using typically non-irrigation months, an average water usage is determined using a resident’s lowest three out of four months (December through March). This average is compared each month to actual water usage, with the lower of the two being used to determine sewage charges.

Each resident’s average is updated each year and effective with the May billing. For new residents, an average of 8,000 gallons is used until they establish their own. The maximum average usage to be used for sewage charges is 15,000 gallons.

Residential Rates

Wholesale Rates Rate
Base Charge $26.00
Per 1,000 gallons $1.50
Maximum (15,000 gallons) $48.50
City Rates
Rate 
Minimum (0 - 2,000) gallons $17.00
2,001 - 15,000 gallons Additional $3.70
for each 1,000 gallons
Maximum (15,000 gallons) $65.10

Commercial Rates

Wholesale Rates Rate
Base Charge $26.00
Per 1,000 gallons $1.50
City Rates
Rate 
Minimum (0 - 2,000) gallons $34.00
Over 2,000 gallons Additional $3.70
for each 1,000 gallons

Sample Calculation

Residential Water usage - 12,000 gallons
Winter Average Usage - 8,000 gallons (use lower of two)

Wholesale Charges

Base Charge: $26.00 
Usage: $12.00 (8,000 x 1.50)/1,000
Total Wholesale: $38.00 

City Charges

Minimum (First 2,000 gallons): $17.00
Usage: (8,000 - 2,000) x 3.70/1,000: $22.20 
Total City: $39.20 

Total Sewer Charges:

$77.20