Winter Averaging

Wastewater Winter Averaging

Winter averaging is a practice by which water use during the winter months is used to determine maximum sewer charges for the upcoming year. The City of Roanoke bases the winter average on the average water consumption during December, January, and February. New customers are billed volume based on their actual water consumption (not to exceed 10,000 gallons of wastewater) until they establish an average of their own.

Why does the City of Roanoke use winter for averaging?

Your water measures your monthly use, but there is no meter on your wastewater line. Wastewater averaging provides a measure that is generally reflective of the amount of water that goes directly into the sanitary sewer system from your property. Outdoor watering (such as irrigation, car washing, and recreational use) does not go directly into the sanitary sewer system so it is important to isolate it and not include that wastewater on your invoice. Usually, outdoor watering is minimal during the winter months; therefore, it is easier to estimate the actual amount of water that goes directly into the sanitary sewer system versus being used for outdoor watering during the winter months.

What can I do to reduce sewer charges? 

Reducing overall water use during the winter averaging period is essential in cutting your sewer charges for the coming year. This reduction can be accomplished by fixing all leaks as soon as possible (toilets, service lines, irrigation systems.) Here are other ways to reuse use of water:

• Turn off irrigation systems or reduce during winter averaging
• Consider replacing old toilets with new, water-efficient models
• Replace old shower heads and faucet aerators with new, efficient models
• Use only the water that is needed when washing hands, dishes, or brushing teeth
• Do not drain and fill swimming pools during winter averaging, if possible

When is the winter averaging rate effective? 

The winter averaging rate is effective on the March invoice of every year.