What is a wastewater average? The wastewater average represents the estimated amount of wastewater discharged into the sanitary sewer system. It is a cap on the volume of wastewater you will be billed each month.

Why does the City use a wastewater average as the basis for my wastewater bill? Your water meter measures your monthly water use, but there is no meter on your wastewater line. Wastewater averaging provides a measure that is generally reflective of the actual wastewater volume discharged.

How do I know the specific dates my water usage will be monitored for my new wastewater average? Find a copy of your recent bill and follow the directions located here.

How is my wastewater average calculated? Your water usage will be monitored over the 3 consecutive monthly billing cycles which occur between designated dates from mid-November to mid-March. (Note: Each month used in the calculation must have a usage greater than zero.)  

Why is wastewater averaging done mid-November to mid-March? Typically outside water usage is minimal during the late fall and winter months.  During that time the water usage generally equals the inside use that is also discharged as wastewater.

Why can’t everyone use the same months to calculate their wastewater average? The date your meter is read determines the specific monthly billing periods used to calculate your wastewater average.  Because of the large number of water meters in the city, only one district can be read each day. Each of the 20 districts has its distinct monthly billing cycle which is reflected by the read date on your bill.

Can I choose different months to determine my wastewater average?  No, the months used to determine your wastewater average are determined by the dates of your billing cycles that occur during the established winter averaging period.

How can I lower my wastewater bill? Using less water during the winter averaging period will result in a corresponding lower wastewater bill. You can find information about water conservation at www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/.

Why do I pay more for wastewater than I do for my water?  The cost of providing wastewater services is higher that the cost of providing water services. Wastewater must be extensively treated before it is clean enough to release back into the environment.