How Rates are Set
Rates are set annually through a year-long process that begins with a budget based on capital and operating needs. Once the budget is approved by the Board of Directors, a rate structure is proposed and communicated via various news and media outlets as well as a public hearing to provide customers the opportunity to comment on the changes. Finally, the DC Water Board of Directors votes on the rate proposal in July, to be implemented in the October customer bill.
DC Water bills customers on a monthly basis, and the bills include charges for both DC Water and fees collected on behalf of the District of Columbia.
Your bill includes charges for water usage, sewer usage, customer metering, impervious area, 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.
Estimated Bills
Customers may receive an estimated bill due to several factors such as extreme weather conditions, an inaccessible meter, etc. If your bill is estimated, the usage is based on your previous consumption patterns.
If you would like to submit an actual read, click here: Discover how to Submit a Meter Reading.
Reviewing the back of your bill - click to view a full-size image
