What does winter sewer average mean for me?

The City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities is committed to keeping water bills as affordable as possible for all customers. That’s why we’ve moved to a new, more transparent system that charges customers based on actual water usage year-round.

Under the previous billing model, residential sewer bills during the summer were calculated based on average water use from the winter months (winter sewer average). This was originally designed to prevent customers from being charged sewer fees on what was assumed to be outdoor water use—like lawn watering, pool filling, and car washing—since that water doesn’t go down the drain.

But this model had flaws: not all of the increased water use in the summer was used outside, and not everyone used extra water outdoors in the summer, yet everyone paid slightly higher rates year-round to subsidize those who did.

Now, sewer charges are calculated based on what you actually use—meaning a lower sewer rate for everyone. In order to return to the winter sewer average model, sewer rates would need to be increased to offset the discount.

Here’s what that means for customers:

• For the 2/3 of customers who use water at or below the citywide average, this change will likely have little impact.
• For most customers, bills will fluctuate slightly between winter and summer, with higher bills in the warm months when water use typically increases.
• Customers who water their lawns regularly or fill large pools may see a more noticeable increase during the summer months—but now, they’re paying only for their own use, not their neighbors’.

Want to keep your bill steady?

Sign up for Budget Billing. It evens out your payments across the year, making bills predictable. Call Customer Service to sign up.

Big outdoor water user? Consider installing an irrigation meter or purchasing bulk water from our Water Distribution facility downtown—both are billed for water only, not sewer.

Need help with your bill? See if you qualify for one of our assistance programs. We offer discounts for low-income households and seniors, as well as payment plans and one-time grants for those in need.