How Rates are Set
Rates are determined annually through a comprehensive process that commences with the development of a budget based on both capital and operating requirements. Following the budget's approval by the Board of Directors, a rate structure is proposed and disseminated through various news and media channels, including a public hearing to allow customers an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. The DC Water Board of Directors subsequently votes on the rate proposal in July, with implementation scheduled for the October customer billing cycle.
DC Water invoices customers monthly, encompassing charges for both DC Water services and fees collected on behalf of the District of Columbia. Your bill includes charges for water, sewer, customer metering, impervious area assessments, and a water system replacement fee.
Definition:
- Water and Sewer Services - charges for water and sewer usage billed based upon how much water a customer uses.
- Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) - a sewer fee that calculates the area on a property that is impervious, meaning surface water cannot flow through, such as buildings, asphalt, or concrete. These areas contribute to stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows.
- Water System Replacement Fee - a fee designed to recover the renewal and replacement costs of aging water service lines over time. The fee is based on meter size and average flow.
- Customer metering fee - a flat fee based on the meter size.
- Stormwater - funds the DDOE Stormwater Management Program.
- PILOT – for services that benefit DC Water facilities and personnel.
- ROW – for the use of DC public spaces and rights of way.
