Winter Averaging
Winter Averaging helps residents save money all year long. Your residential winter average is determined by taking your average household water use during three consecutive billing cycles in December, January and February. That average determines your monthly wastewater charge during the rest of the year.
Winter months are used because they provide a more accurate picture of the amount of water used in your home that goes directly into the wastewater system. Summer water usage is higher because of outdoor water use like watering grass, filling swimming pools or washing your car. That water will soak into your yard or drain down the road.
The water used during this period will determine your monthly wastewater charge beginning in April. Reducing your indoor and outdoor water use now will help you save money on your bill all year long.
Commercial accounts do not qualify for winter averaging.
New data is collected every year in December, January and February. The newly calculated wastewater average will replace the current rate in March and be reflected on the April 30th utility bill.
Water and wastewater are separate services. After the water you use goes down the drain, or is flushed, it is transferred to lift stations and then pumped to the District's treatment plant. The wastewater must be treated before being released back into the environment. Wastewater charges cover the operations and maintenance for these services.
Please email us at ub@tcmud.org if you will be filling a pool or experience a major leak during the months of December, January, and February. Customers must provide supporting documentation of repairs to leaks. This includes paid invoices and/or receipts for supplies purchased. Once the documentation has been reviewed, we can calculate an adjustment to the wastewater average.
Conserving water during the averaging period is the best way to lower the volume of wastewater you will be billed for each month. Turn off your sprinklers, run dishwashers only with a full load and check toilets for leaks. In addition, any outdoor watering during the winter will be included in your calculation. Avoid outdoor watering while plants and grass are dormant.
New customers who do not have a historical winter average will be assigned an interim wastewater average of 7,000 gallons until the following winter average can be calculated.