Utility Rates

Water and Sewer Rates to Increase in 2022

The City's water and sewer systems have seen a slight increase in size over the last five to ten years and the majority of the water and sewer infrastructure is approaching 100 years of age. Therefore, because water usage has declined due to conservation efforts, and the need and cost of maintaining the aging infrastructure has increased, rates needed to be raised simply to maintain and operate the systems at current levels. As part of a water and sewer rate study (PDF) conducted in 2018, rates for water and sewer services are projected to increase annually from 2019-2022.

Water charges are based on customer class with an inclining block structure, plus a monthly fixed charge, determined by the size of your water meter. Sewer charges are based on customer class and water usage. Historically, the City has been able to balance the sewer rate schedule with fixed monthly charges and flat rates for all customer classes.

Below is an example of a projected total residential monthly utility bill based on an average usage of 4,500 gallons.

Projected Total Residential Montly Utility Bill (Average 4,500 gallons)

Kind of Utility 2020 2021 2022
Water
 $20.49 $21.93 $23.46
Sewer
 $39.19 $43.90 $48.29

Volume-Based Water Rates (per 1,000 gallons)

Customer Class
 2021 2022 2023
Residential
Up to 6,000 gallons
Over 6,000 gallons
N/A
$2.35
$2.95
N/A
$2.50
$3.15
 N/A
$2.50
$3.15
Commercial
Up to 25,000 gallons
Over 25,000 gallons
N/A
$2.35
$2.50
N/A
$2.50 
$2.70
 N/A
$2.50
$2.70
Institutional
Up to 100,000 gallons
Over 100,000 gallons
N/A
$2.35
$2.85
N/A
$2.50
$3.05
 N/A
$2.50
$3.05
Sprinkling
Up to 30,000 gallons
Over 30,000 gallons
N/A
$2.85
$3.65
N/A
$3.05
$3.90
 N/A
$3.05
$3.90

Volume-Based Sewer Rates (per 1,000 gallons)

**Customer Classes include Residential, Multi-Residential, Multi-Commercial, and Commercial
All Customer Classes
 2021 2022 2023
Fixed Monthly Charge
 $15.65 $17.25 $17.25
Up to 3,400 gallons
 $6.30 $6.90 $6.90

Fixed Charge for Various Water Meter Sizes

Standard Meter Size
Monthly Charge
2021
 Monthly Charge
2022
Monthly Charge
2023
3/4" $11.50 $12.30 $12.30
1" $16.00 $17.10 $17.10
1-1/2" $20.60 $22.10 $22.10
2" $33.20 $35.50 $35.50
3" $125.80 $134.60 $134.60
4" $160.10 $171.30 $171.30

Learn Your Water Meter and Save $$

Reading the Meter

A water meter has seven number slots on the number wheel. The first slot from the right does not move. When the meter's red needle makes a full revolution, the second slot registers one, indicating the use of 10 gallons of water. The third slot indicates 100 gallons. The fourth slot measures water use in increments of 1000 gallons, and so on. The City reads the meter in 1000 of gallons and indicates the reading, as such, on each monthly utility bill.

Checking for Leaks

The small red gear wheel near the center of the meter spins whenever water is moving through the meter. If you observe the red gear wheel moving, and no water is being used, it indicates a leak somewhere in the residence. (i.e., dripping faucet, leaking toilet flapper, or stuck water softener). Another way to check for leaks is to record the numbers on the meter before going to bed and then again first thing in the morning. If the number has changed and no one used water during the night, a leak may need correcting. For information about the meters or utility billing, please contact Wayzata Public Works at 952-404-5363.