How We Bill for Water & Sewer

New Look, New Rate Structure 

The City of Lebanon is implementing a change to our current water and sewer rate structure. 

Beginning July 1, 2019, water and sewer bills will reflect: 

  • a base charge meter size
  • a volumetric tier for single-family residential properties
  • removal of the minimum use allowance

Rate Setting Process

Water Sewer rate setting process pyramid diagram

How Is It Different? 

The current billing structure consists of two components: 

  1. minimum charge - no matter the amount of water use, a minimum fee is billed.
  2. volumetric charge - standard fee for all water use groups based on total volume used

The NEW billing structure will consist of three components: 

  1. base charge by meter size - the bigger the meter the bigger the base charge

  2. volumetric tier for single-family residential properties
    • usage below 12Ccf = $2.99 per Ccf
    • usage above 12Ccf = $5.98 per Ccf
  3. removal of minimum charge

Calculate the Difference

To help you better visualize the way your bill will be affected by these changes, we have created a spreadsheet calculator that allows you to enter your current usage information to view projected rate changes. Simply download the spreadsheet and enter your information to see how your rate will change on a quarterly, monthly, and annual basis. 

When Will It Start? 

Changes will take effect for the 3rd quarter billing cycle which includes July-September 2019 usage. Meters for 3rd quarter billing are read in October and bills are mailed in November with payment due in December 2019. 

Is It Possible to Save Money?

With the removal of the minimum charge, you as the consumer have more control over your bill, so it’s entirely possible to save money through water conservation efforts! 

The following are ways you can conserve water both indoors and outdoors. 

Residential Water Conservation Strategies

INDOOR: Save 20% to 35%

  • WaterSense labeled fixtures
    • 1.28 gallon/flush toilets
    • 2.0 gallon/minute showerheads
    • 1.5 gallon/minute aerators and faucets in bathrooms and lavatories
  • ENERGY STAR labeled appliances
    • Clothes washers < 20 gal/load 
    • Dishwashers < 7 gal/load  
  • Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes

  • Repair leaks–faucets, toilets, showers, hose connections

OUTDOOR: Save 20% to 50%

  • Water your lawn only as needed
    • 1 to 2 days a week (at most)
    • Early morning or evening
  • Plant low water-use and native grasses, plants, and trees
  • Limit water-thirsty turfgrass to play and functional areas only
  • Install soil moisture sensors, smart irrigation controllers, rain shutoffs

  • Check and repair promptly
    • Leaks in hose bibs, irrigation lines
    • Broken sprinkler heads
    • Overspray: sidewalks, streets, etc.