Rates Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

• How much does my water cost?

  Tap water is a bargain, costing less than a penny a gallon. In comparison, a gallon of generic store-brand bottled water costs approximately 95 cents per gallon – over 135 times more than that same gallon of tap water. You are paying the costs for water service, not for the water itself. There are two charges on your bill: the service charge and a usage charge. The service charge covers the fixed costs of providing water to your home so water is there any time you turn on a faucet. These costs are based on meter size and are intended to cover the costs of meter reading, accounting, billing, customer service and any other costs that are directly related to you, the customer. The usage charge is the cost of treating and distributing water that you actually use.

• How are water rates set?

  The RWA’s budget is funded by revenue it collects through water rates. Our Representative Policy Board (RPB) is responsible for setting these rates and must ensure that they are able to fund the RWA’s operating and capital needs. The rates are based on a cost of service study – a study that examines all services the RWA provides and sets rates and charges based on what it actually costs us to provide that service so that everyone pays their fair share for the services they receive. Before any rate increase is adopted, the RPB solicits public comment through a public hearing.

• Can you assist me with paying my bill?

  Even though water is one of the most economical things you pay for, the RWA understands the importance of helping customers maintain water service in their homes during times of financial hardship. We have partnered with the Dollar Energy Fund to provide yearly, one-time grants to families struggling to pay their water bills. If your household income is at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, you may qualify for assistance through our Residential Water Assistance Program. Eligible customers receive a one-time Residential Water Assistance Grant of up to $175, applied directly to their water bills. The grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis or until funding is depleted. You can find more information on this program on our website.

• What is a CCF?

  A CCF (one hundred cubic feet) is a unit of measurement. It is the way we measure how much water flowed through your meter. One CCF equals 748 gallons.

• What is a service charge?

  All customers pay a service charge for water service. The service charge pays for the fixed costs of providing water to your home so water is there any time you turn on a faucet.