Cutting water bills in condo communities is not just a way to save money; it’s a chance to build a more sustainable future for everyone. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures: In older condos and townhomes, reduce water usage by installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These eco-friendly fixtures can slash water consumption significantly without sacrificing performance, making a strong impact on monthly bills.
2. Educate Residents: Promote easy-to-follow water-saving habits, such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
3. Monitor Water Use: Dive into past water bills to uncover trends and identify peak consumption times. Consider sub-metering units or other technology to find potential leaks.
4. Conduct Regular Plumbing Checks: Schedule routine inspections to catch leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets. Even minor leaks can waste water and dollars, so addressing them promptly can lead to significant savings.
5. Revamp Landscaping: If your community features shared outdoor spaces, consider transitioning to drought-resistant plants and employing xeriscaping techniques that require minimal irrigation. Pair this with an efficient drip irrigation system to maximize water efficiency.
6. Offer Conservation Incentives: Introduce rewards for residents who actively reduce their water usage or report leaks. Incentives can motivate everyone to conserve this precious resource.
7. Consider Rainwater Harvesting: If applicable, investing in rainwater collection systems can provide a sustainable source of water for irrigation or other non-potable uses.
Charlotte Water calculates your bill based on a tiered system, meaning the more you use, the more you pay.
An average customer uses around 7 Ccf per month, which is 5,236 gallons!
What is a Ccf? Ccf is an abbreviation that represents 100 cubic feet, which equals 748 gallons.
Understanding Rates and Fees
The drinking water and sewer/wastewater systems are both managed by Charlotte Water and are paid for by water bill fees, not property tax dollars. The public storm drainage system is managed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and paid for by storm water fees, not property tax dollars.
Water Usage Rates: Charges for drinking water vary based on the amount of water used and rates are broken into four rate tiers. Usage is measured in Ccf, or one hundred cubic feet, increments. 1Ccf = 748 gallons. Meter readings reflect cumulative totals from one billing cycle to the next and usage is only charged per whole Ccf (rounded down). A partial Ccf will roll over and be included in the next billing cycle.
Sewer Usage Rates: Charges for sewer use are based on the amount of water used for customers with water and sewer service. For customers with wastewater service only, the fee is calculated based on the typical household water consumption.
Fixed Fees: The fixed fees for both water and sewer services recover the cost of servicing accounts, such as the cost of meter reading and billing.
Availability Fees: Availability fees pay for water and sewer projects. The fees vary based on the size of a customer’s meter connection and the number of service days in each billing cycle.
Storm Water Services Fees: Fees are used to repair public storm drainage infrastructure, reduce flood risks, and improve surface waters. Detached single-family residential homes are grouped into one of four billing tiers based on the amount of impervious surface area on the parcel. All others (commercial and attached single-family homes such as duplexes and apartments) are billed for the actual amount of impervious surface area on the parcel. Impervious surfaces include rooftops, concrete driveways, and other areas that do not allow rainwater to absorb into the ground.
Learn more at https://www.charlottenc.gov/water/Pay-your-Bill/Rates-Fees
Here are a few other sources
CHARLOTTE WATER 2024 RATE ADJUSTMENT | Charlotte Water Blog
Why Does Wastewater Cost More On My Water Bill? | Charlotte Water Blog
Have A High Water Bill? Read This. | Charlotte Water Blog
Understanding Homeowners Responsibility | Charlotte Water Blog
New Bill Design – YouTube about water bill look