Definition of Utility Charges
Water - Meter Charge - This is a fixed charge that is charged according to meter size and provides general support* for the City's water system
Water Usage - This is a variable charge that pays for the cost of providing your home with water
Sewer - Base Charge - This is a fixed charge and provides general support* for the City's sewer system
Sewer Usage - This is a variable charge that pays for transporting and treating the sanitary sewer flow - See "How is my sewer determined?" for further details
Surface Water Mgmt - This is a fixed charge that pays for the City's stormwater system and annual maintenance costs - See "What is the surface water management fee charge?" for further details
State Surcharge - This fixed charge is required by Minnesota law, which requires the MN Department of Health to collect $9.72 annually ($2.43/quarter) from every service connection as a safe drinking water fee
*General Support includes:
- Infrastructure renewal, engineering and construction
- Production operations and maintenance (O&M)
- Debt service
- City services
- Distribution O&M and metering
- Administration and business services