Tiered Water Rates
Tiered water billing is a rate structure that charges different amounts for water used. Water usage is divided into tiers, with each tier charging a higher rate than the previous one. This billing system encourages community members to conserve water resources and use water more efficiently. Using this model, single-family residential customers would be charged a lower rate in the lower tiers.
How Does Tiered Billing Work?
There are three tiers under this billing system. Bills would be calculated so that water used in the two lower tiers is charged at a lower rate; only excess water usage would be charged at a higher rate.
Proposed Tiered Rate Structure
Rates within city limits
Tier 1: 1 to 11 CCF usage, $2.80/CCF
Tier 2: 12 to 22 CCF usage, $3.25/CCF
Tier 3: 23 CCF usage and above, $4.75/CCF
The current 2024 rate is $3.11/CCF within city limits. All volume charges are computed per hundred cubic feet or CCF. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.
Rates outside of city limits
Tier 1: 1 to 11 CCF usage, $4.06/CCF
Tier 2: 12 to 22 CCF usage, $4.71/CCF
Tier 3: 23 CCF usage and above, $6.88/CCF
The current 2024 rate is $4.56/CCF for areas outside of the city limits. All volume charges are computed per hundred cubic feet or CCF. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.
A decision regarding new tiered water rate billing will be made during the adoption of the City’s biennial budget this December. More details about this proposal will be shared in your next bill and on this webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tiered water rates?
Tiered water billing is a rate structure that charges different amounts for water used. Water usage is divided into tiers, with each tier charging a higher rate than the previous one.
What’s the purpose of a tiered rate structure?
Tiered rates are designed to encourage conservation by charging a higher rate for higher water usage.
How much water does a single family typically use?
Most single-family homes use under 20 CCF of water every two months. Usage of 1 to 11 CCF will be billed in tier 1. 12 to 22 CCF usage will be billed in tier 2. Anything over 23 CCF will be billed in tier 3. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.
Will tiered billing consider how many people live in my household?
Tiered billing does not take into consideration how many people live in the house, only how much water is used.
If I use water in the higher tiers, will all my water be charged at that amount?
No, bills will be calculated so that water used at the lower-tiered rate is charged at that rate. Example: Usage = 23 CCF. The first 11 units would be charged at the Tier 1 rate, the second 11 units would be charged at the Tier 2 rate, and the final 1 unit would be charged at the Tier 3 rate.
Will sewer charges be assessed at the tiered rates?
No, this tiered approach only applies to water charges.
How can I reduce my water bill?
There are many ways to conserve water. Explore ways to use water wisely and reduce your water usage inside and outside the home.
How can I save water at home?
- Take a shower instead of a bath to save about 10 gallons of water.
- When brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet to save 5 gallons of water.
- If you have a dishwasher, avoid hand-washing to save up to 10 gallons of water.
- Load up your laundry and wash only full loads to save between 5 and 10 gallons of water. Skip extra rinses, too, and save 3 more gallons.
- Water your lawn and plants when the sun is low and it’s cool outside to avoid water evaporation.
If you have additional questions, email customer service at UtilitiesCS@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7999 during office hours.