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Utility "Water and Wastewater" Billing Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often do I get a utility bill?
A. The City mails out utility bills every two months.
Q. What utilities are included on my bill?
A. Water and wastewater (sewer) services.
Q. How is my water bill calculated?
A. Your water bill is comprised of two charges. A fixed service charge and a
consumption charge. The fixed service charge covers the "fixed" expenses of operating the water system. Click here to view an example of how the water rates are calculated.
Q. How is my wastewater bill calculated?
A. Your wastewater (sewer) bill is also comprised of two charges, a fixed
"Base Charge" and a "Use Charge". The Base Charge covers the fixed
expenses of operating the wastewater system, expenses that are not affected by wastewater flow. Click here to view an example of how the wastewater bills are calculated.
Q. For residential customers, how is the "Use Charge" portion of the
wastewater bill calculated?
A. The wastewater usage charge is established based on the average amount of water used at the property during the winter months. Depending on your billing cycle, these four months will be between November and March. For example, if your water usage during November/December is 14 hcf and during January/February is 16 hcf, your winter water use average would be 15 hcf. The averages are calculated and become effective each July, based on the most recent winter-time water use average.
Q. Why is winter water usage used to calculate my wastewater bill?
A. The winter water usage billing method is designed to more fairly distribute
the costs of operating the wastewater system. Water consumed during the
winter months approximates wastewater flow. This is because landscape
irrigation is at a minimum, so most of the water consumed during this
period is returned to the wastewater system.
Q. What is an "hcf"?
A. Hcf means "hundred cubic feet". This is a common unit of measurement
for water use. Your water meter gauges water use in units of hundred cubic feet. One hcf = 748 gallons.
Q. I just moved into my house and didn't use any water this past winter. How will my sewer bill be determined?
A. If there is no water use history from the prior winter, a bi-monthly default
value of 18 hcf will be used to determine the "Use Charge". This default
value will remain effective until a new winter water use average is
established and determined.
Q. Where can I pay my City utility bill?
A. You can mail in your utility payment along with your statement, or pay in
person at Petaluma City Hall, Finance Department, 11 English Street.
Q. Does the City accept credit card payments?
A. The City of Petaluma will gladly accept payments by Visa or Mastercard.
Q. How much time do I have to pay my utility bill?
A. Your utility bill is due 30 days after it is issued by the City.
Q. Does the City have an automatic payment program?
A. The City does not have an automatic payment program at this time.
Payment may be made either in person at Petaluma City Hall, Finance
Department, 11 English Street, or through the mail.
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