What a Sewer Bill Covers
Your sewer bill pays for the pipes that carry wastewater away from your home and the treatment plant that cleans it before returning it to rivers or the ocean. The charge covers the cost of operating and maintaining those pipes, the treatment facility, and the staff who run both. Most sewer bills also include a stormwater fee, which pays for drains that handle rain runoff from streets and yards.
The bill itself is usually calculated one of two ways: either as a flat monthly fee, or based on how much water you use (measured by your water meter). Some cities charge both a base fee plus a usage charge. A few places charge based on the size of your water line or the square footage of your property, though this is less common.
Key Takeaways
- Sewer bills pay for the pipes that remove wastewater from your home and the treatment plant that processes it, not for the water itself.
- Most sewer bills include a stormwater fee that covers drainage for rain and street runoff, even if you never use the sewer line.
- The charge is usually based on your water usage, a flat monthly rate, or both combined.
- Sewer bills do not cover water supply, water heating, or repairs inside your home — those are separate charges or your responsibility.
- If you have a septic tank instead of a sewer connection, you will not have a sewer bill but will pay for pumping and maintenance yourself.
The Difference Between Water and Sewer Charges
Water and sewer are two separate bills, even though they appear on the same statement. Your water bill pays the utility for the clean water delivered to your home through the water main. Your sewer bill pays for the removal and treatment of the wastewater that leaves your home after you use that water.
If you use 1,000 gallons of water in a month, you pay for 1,000 gallons of water supply. You also pay a sewer charge based on that same 1,000 gallons, because the utility assumes almost all of that water eventually goes down the drain. The exception is outdoor water use — if you water your lawn or fill a pool, some utilities offer a separate meter or adjustment so you do not pay sewer charges on water that does not enter the system.
What the Stormwater Fee Covers
The stormwater portion of your sewer bill pays for the storm drains that run under streets and through neighborhoods. These drains collect rain from roofs, gutters, driveways, and streets, then carry it to treatment facilities or directly to rivers and wetlands. This is separate from the sanitary sewer that handles toilet and sink water.
You pay the stormwater fee even if you live on a hill and never experience flooding, because the utility maintains the entire system for everyone. The fee is often based on the square footage of impervious surface on your property — the roofs, driveways, and patios that water cannot soak through. Some cities charge a flat stormwater fee to all residential customers instead.
What Your Sewer Bill Does Not Cover
Your sewer bill does not cover the water supply itself — that is a separate charge. It also does not cover water heating, which is either a gas or electric utility charge depending on your home. Any repairs inside your home, including burst pipes, backed-up drains, or a broken toilet, are your responsibility and not covered by the sewer utility.
If you have a septic tank instead of a municipal sewer connection, you will not receive a sewer bill at all. Instead, you pay a private contractor to pump and maintain the tank, usually every three to five years. Some rural areas charge a small annual septic inspection fee, but this is not the same as a sewer bill.
How Usage-Based Sewer Charges Work
Most utilities measure sewer usage by reading your water meter. If you use 500 gallons of water in a month, the utility bills you for 500 gallons of sewer service. The sewer rate is usually lower than the water rate — for example, water might cost $5 per 100 gallons while sewer costs $3 per 100 gallons.
Some utilities explore a winter average to sewer charges. They look at your water use during the winter months (when outdoor watering is minimal) and use that as your baseline sewer charge year-round. This prevents you from paying sewer fees on water that goes to your lawn in summer. You would still pay the water charge for that outdoor use, but not the sewer charge.
Why Your Sewer Bill Increased
Sewer rates rise when the utility needs to repair aging pipes, upgrade treatment plants, or meet new environmental regulations. Many cities have sewer systems that are 50 to 100 years old, and replacing them is expensive. A single main break under a street can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Rate increases are usually announced in advance and approved by a city council or utility board. You can find the reason for an increase by calling your local water and sewer utility or checking their website. Some utilities offer low-income discounts or payment plans if your bill becomes unaffordable.
Reading Your Sewer Bill
Your sewer bill should show three main charges: the water supply charge, the sewer (sanitary) charge, and the stormwater charge. Some bills combine water and sewer into one line item. Look for the usage amount in gallons or hundred-cubic-feet (HCF), the rate per unit, and the total charge for each service.
If you see a charge you do not recognize, call the utility's customer service number on the bill. Common mistakes include being billed for a meter that was removed, being charged at the wrong rate tier, or having a meter that was not read correctly. Most utilities will correct errors and adjust your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sewer charges on water I use outside?
Most utilities charge sewer fees on all water use, including outdoor watering. However, some offer a separate outdoor meter or a winter-average adjustment so you do not pay sewer charges on water that does not enter the system. Call your utility to ask whether this option is available in your area.
Why do I have a sewer bill if I have a septic tank?
You should not. If you are on a septic system, you are not connected to the municipal sewer and should not receive a sewer bill. If you are being billed, contact your utility when ready — you may be connected to the wrong account or the utility may have incorrect records about your property.
Can I reduce my sewer bill by using less water?
Yes. Since most sewer charges are based on water usage, using less water lowers both your water and sewer bills. Fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and reducing outdoor watering all reduce the amount you are charged. Some utilities offer rebates for water-saving upgrades.
What happens if I do not pay my sewer bill?
The utility can shut off your water service after a certain period of non-payment, usually 30 to 60 days. If you cannot pay, contact the utility to ask about payment plans or low-income information programs. Many utilities will work with you rather than shut off service when ready.
Is my sewer bill tax deductible?
For most homeowners, no. Sewer bills are only deductible if you use part of your home for business purposes and can allocate a portion of the bill to that use. Renters cannot deduct sewer charges. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.