Preparing for Metered Billing
Your utility bill provides important information about how much water you use and can help you prepare for the transition to metered rates.
Once a meter is installed, customers receive one calendar year of comparative billing data on their Utility Service Bill, demonstrating how their current flat rate compares to what they would have paid on a metered rate. During this period, customers are responsible for paying the flat rate only and can see the impact, if any, metered rates will have on their water bill.
On a metered rate, customers pay a monthly service fee based on the size of their water meter and a charge for the amount of water they actually use. Compared to the current flat rate system, metered water bills are typically higher in the summer and lower in the winter. When reviewed over the course of the year, the majority of households on a metered rate find that their metered bill is the same as—or less than—their flat-rate bill.
Reviewing the comparison data on your utility bill each month can help you understand how much water you are using—and can save by using water more efficiently. Water meters can also help customers detect leaks and stop waste.
Free Services to Help You Use Less Water
The City of Sacramento offers a number of free services to help you use water more efficiently, which may help you save money on a metered rate. Learn more about Water Wise House Calls and rebates for replacing older toilets and clothes washers with high-efficiency models by visiting Water Conservation, or dialing 311 or (916) 264-5011
