Your sewer charges are based on your drinking water usage billed during the months of January, February and March. This method is called "Average Winter Consumption" and is a common practice for communities in arid climates.

Why does the city calculate sewer charges like this? An average resident uses two to three times more water in a summer month as they do in the winter because of outdoor watering. Outdoor water usage does not enter the sewer system making it unfair to apply sewer charges for water used outside.

Since virtually all of the water you use inside your home drains to the sewer system (toilets, dishwasher, sinks, etc), your indoor drinking water use is a pretty accurate estimate of your sewer use.

The city calculates your sewer charges for the rest of the year based on the average of your water use billed during the months of January, February and March because you're not watering your yard during those months.

Why is this important? Be extra mindful of your water use and leaks right now because the water you are using will affect your sewer bill for the rest of the year!