Why does the City charge a higher usage charge for water usage over 20,000 gallons?

The City has a two-tier rate structure for residential water use. The first tier volumetric rate is $7.40 per thousand gallons up to 20,000 gallons. The second tier is $9.15 per thousand gallons over 20,000 gallons. These tiers do not apply to sewer rates. The first tier of 20,000 gallons includes an amount equal to typical indoor usage in any given month (which is less than 6,000 gallons) plus an amount to include lawn watering. Data from North Dakota State University estimates that about 14,000 gallons per month would be adequate to maintain an average sized green lawn. More information on summer lawn care can be found at this link. 

This type of rate structure serves two primary purposes. First, the rate structure recognizes the cost of building extra capacity in the pipes, pumping, and storage facilities around the City to meet increasing average and peak day demands. Second, the structure encourages responsible water usage. Decreased water usage allows the City to delay future cost increases associated with increases to system capacity, thereby keeping capital costs down.


Last updated Feb. 10, 2023

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1. What do the rates actually pay for?
2. Why did the rate change?
3. What is a fixed charge?
4. What is the usage charge based on?
5. Why does the City charge a higher usage charge for water usage over 20,000 gallons?
6. Are businesses and apartments subject to the same increases?
7. Will bills go up for those who use the same amount of water?
8. How does the City of West Fargo's water and sewer rates help make watering the lawn affordable?
9. If rates are increasing in February, why might they increase again in 2023?
10. What do West Fargo residents pay in comparison to Fargo residents?
11. How will I be billed if I use the City of West Fargo's sewer system but not the water system?
12. Why does the City of West Fargo use water usage to calculate sewer charges?