Understanding Your Water and Wastewater Rates
At Bath Water District (BWD), we are dedicated to providing safe and reliable water service while ensuring transparency about how your water and wastewater charges are determined. Here’s how the process works and who is responsible for setting these rates.
Water Rates and the Role of the Maine PUC
Water rates for the Bath Water District (BWD) are regulated by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to ensure fairness and transparency. BWD cannot adjust water rates without PUC approval, which involves a detailed review of operational costs, system maintenance needs, and long-term capital improvements.
Billing is done quarterly in units of 100 cubic feet (CCF) or 1 CCF. One CCF equal to approximately 748 gallons. Each bill includes a Minimum Base Service Charge – Covers up to the first 300 cubic feet (3 CCF) of water usage per billing period, plus a Usage (Overage) Charge – Applied to any water consumed beyond the initial 300 cubic feet. If you don’t use more than 300 cubic feet, then you pay the minimum base service charge. This structure ensures customers contribute equitably to maintaining and operating the water system while promoting responsible water use.
Wastewater Charges: BWD’s Role as Billing Agent
While your bill combines water and wastewater charges, BWD plays no role in setting the City of Bath Sewer Rates. The City of Bath independently determines these rates based on your water consumption. BWD serves as a billing agent only, collecting wastewater charges on behalf of the City.
Why a Combined Bill?
Wastewater charges are based on water meter reads, simplifying the payment process and improving administrative efficiency for both water and wastewater services. Your bill will clearly separate water and wastewater charges so you can easily track your usage and expenses, helping you manage water consumption more effectively while supporting the maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Questions?
For water rate or service inquiries, please contact Bath Water District. For questions about wastewater rates or services, please contact the City of Bath.
Current Water Rates
Effective April 1, 2024
Allowance | Charge |
For the First 3 CCF | Minimum Charge Below |
Usage over the First 3 CCF | Minimum + $5.628 per additional 1 CCF |
Quarterly Rates:
The Minimum Charge ($) for the first 3 CCF used is based on your meter size. Most residential meters are 5/8″. (Water usage is billed quarterly in units of 100 cubic feet (CCF), with one CCF equal to approximately 748 gallons of water.)
Size of Meters | Quarterly Rates Minimum Charge ($) |
5/8″ | 83.84 |
3/4″ | 115.50 |
1″ | 135.50 |
2″ | 291.67 |
3″ | 639.62 |
6″ | 5,428.77 |
8″ | 7,916.75 |
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