Wastewater rates are based on the actual cost to build, maintain and operate the Wastewater Management system, including treatment plants, pumping stations, sewer pipes, maintenance crews and billing systems. This adds up to about $80 million a year.
Wastewater rates help pay for:
- Prevention of untreated sewage from flowing to Commencement Bay and freshwater streams
- Reclamation of billions of gallons of water every year
- Generation of biogas for energy
- Manufacture of TAGRO premium gardening projects, including 32,000 cubic yards of TAGRO Mix every year
- Operation, maintenance and replacement of the City's wastewater collection, transmission and treatment systems
How Do We Know How Much You Should Pay?
Rates are based on a formula that considers the quantity and quality of sewage to be treated based on each homeowner's and business owner's usage.