2021 Water and Sewer Rate Increase

The left section of the image shows a bar chart showing increasing rates and the 2020 and 2021 rate for volumetric water usage based on the tiered rate structure that went into effect on January 1, 2020. The graph does not include the base or sewer rates.

Metro Water Services bills in CCF. 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons

• Water usage of 0-2 CCF, customers are not charged.
• Water usage of 3-6 CCF, customers are charged $3.64 beginning 1/1/21.
• Water usage of 7-10 CCF, customers are charged $4.37 beginning 1/1/21.
• Water usage of 11 or more CCF, customers are charged $5.46 beginning 1/1/21.

How Increased Water Use Affects Your Bill

The volumetric rate for water is determined by how much water you use. This simple rate calculator (Excel spreadsheet template inside zip file) will help you determine how increased water use will affect your bill.

Residential Customers receive Seasonal Sewer Billing / Sprinkler Adjustments

Sewer charges are calculated based on the amount of water used under most circumstances. An exception is made for residential customers during the months of April through November, when water is used to sprinkle lawns or wash cars. Since water used for these purposes does not go into the sewer, sewer service charges for residential bills are automatically adjusted during these months to reflect a “sprinkler credit.” The winter quarter average (January, February, and March) plus 30 percent will be the maximum sewer charges billed.

A Large Percentage of Water Is Used for Irrigation

The average American family uses 320 gallons of water per day, about 30 percent of which is devoted to outdoor uses. More than half of that outdoor water is used for watering lawns and gardens. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. (Source: WaterSense: Outdoor Water Use in the United States)

Additional resources

• Today's Homeowner: How to Calculate Lawn Irrigation Water Usage and Costs
• Lowe's: Watering Tips for Your Lawn and Garden
• RightScape: Calculate how much water my irrigation system uses

About the new water and sewer rate structure

The new water and sewer rate structure follows an in-depth cost of service study based on industry standards and best practices and are designed to…

• Be Equitable – you pay for what it costs us to provide you service without subsidizing other customers
• Be Affordable – water needed for life is still provided at a low rate
• Encourage Wise Water Use – excessive water use is charged at a higher rate to encourage customers to conserve water

The structure includes multi-year rate increases from 2020-2024 to secure funding for critical water and sewer projects. Starting in 2025, customers will see a small increase in water and sewer rates each year to ensure future funding.

The new rate structure went into effect January 1, 2020 upon approval by Metro Council.

Rate Increases for 2021

Residential and commercial rates increase 4% on January 1, 2021. This increase is part of a multiyear plan approved by the Metro Nashville Council on December 3, 2019.

For both water service and sewer service, customers’ bills include a fixed charge, a volumetric rate, and an Infrastructure Replacement fee.

Fixed Meter Charges

Fixed meter charges for both water and sewer service are determined by the size of your water meter. Fixed meter charges cover costs for readiness to serve and are the same for both residential and commercial customers.

Volumetric (or usage) Rate

The volumetric rate for both water and sewer service is determined by how much water you use. Volumetric rates are different for residential and commercial customers.

1 CCF = 100 Cubic Feet or 748 gallons.

2020 Water and Sewer Rates

Infrastructure Replacement Fees

The Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement fees create dedicated funding for replacing old infrastructure.

Water Infrastructure Replacement fee – will equal 10% of your water service charges (fixed charge plus usage).

Sewer Infrastructure Replacement fee – will equal 10% of your sewer service charges (fixed charge plus usage).