Utility Rate Changes Go Into Effect Jan. 1

If you are a MetroConnects customers, you may have noticed a change in your wastewater rates this month. The base charge of $11.72 remained unchanged, but the volume charge increased to $1.85 per 1,000 gallons, a change of 20 cents per 1,000 gallons. MetroConnects’ rates were reviewed by Raftelis, a financial consultant which provides expertise in revenue stability through rate setting for water and wastewater utilities across the United States. Their recommendations were presented to the MetroConnects’ Board of Commissioners in August, 2023.

The average residential customer uses about 4,000 gallons of water per month. This resident would have seen an increase of $0.80 in their January 1, 2024 bill.
The average residential customer will pay about $19.12 a month in MetroConnects charges. *Note: MetroConnects’ rates do not reflect wastewater treatment, which is provided by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa).

These rates fund MetroConnects’ operating expenses, annual debt service and capital improvements to our infrastructure. These necessary improvements ensure protections to public health, the environment, and our water.

 

Wastewater Rates

Wastewater collection rates are based on water consumption because most of the water you use goes down drains/toilets and ends up in the wastewater collection system.

Wastewater collection charges are based on 100% of metered water usage. *Note: All residential customers are enrolled in a Six-Month Savings Program, which is in place April through October.

High Bills & Leaks

An unusually high-water bill is typically caused by a change in water use or a leak.

Did you have house guests, water your lawn more than usual, or do anything else out of the ordinary that uses a lot of water?

Check for Leaks

• Toilets. A running toilet can silently waste up to 200 gallons a day. To check for a leak, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Check/replace the flapper valve. Flush to prevent the food coloring from staining the tank.
• Check indoor and outdoor faucets.
• Check sprinkler heads.
• Check your water service line (the pipe between your water meter and house). Look for wet spots in your yard. Turn off the supply to your house by closing the shut-off valve (typically located in the ground near an outdoor spigot in line with your water meter). Check your water meter. If water is flowing, that may indicate a leak between the meter and your shut-off valve.
• We offer leak adjustments on the Wastewater charges for water leaks that qualify (where water did not go into the Wastewater system). Toilet leaks do not qualify. Proof of repair required.

*Note: Customers are eligible for one leak adjustment each year.

Pool Adjustments

If you fill a pool, you are eligible for an adjustment on the Wastewater-related charges once a year.

Financial Assistance

• Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE)
• Greer Relief
• Salvation Army Emergency Financial Assistance