Treating wastewater is complex, using sophisticated biological systems, multiple filters, and modern disinfection methods.
So why does your sewer part of the monthly bill cost more than water usage?
The Short Answer:
It is easier and cheaper to treat lake water to make it drinkable than to treat the community’s wastewater (industrial, commercial, and residential) and make it clean enough to reintroduce into a creek or river.
Water leaving the plant must be free of harmful pollutants to protect fish, turtles, birds, and other creatures that depend on the creek.
Below is a step-by-step guide for turning lake water into potable or drinking water.
And here are the steps to turn your wastewater into creek-able water.
There are more steps to the wastewater treatment process than water treatment process.
Charlotte Water (CLTWater) only uses water meters to measure usage, so wastewater usage is calculated based on that water usage up to a limit or cap.
Energy and chemical costs are higher for wastewater treatment processes, hence the higher cost for wastewater treatment vs. water treatment on a water bill.
The cost to treat wastewater and meet federal regulations continues to increase. Our goal is to always meet and exceed regulations to ensure cleaner water goes into our creeks.
Stop right here if you’re satisfied! The Longer Answer gets a bit technical about how your billing works.
The Longer Answer:
CLTWater pays for water and wastewater services via usage and billing fees, not taxes (contrary to popular belief). CLTWater posted the official Revenue Manual that details all fees.
How can I help reduce my water / sewer bill and rate increases?
Toss all trash in the trashcan, not down a drain. Did you know that ‘flushable’ wipes clog pipes and require manually pulling them out of pumps? Wipes can cause expensive repairs and maintenance.
Additional resources: