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1. How are our water rates determined?

ACWWA’s water rates are formulated using methodologies developed by the American Water Works Association, a nationally recognized water industry group. The method develops rates based on the cost of providing service to various classes of customers.

For ACWWA these classes include residential and commercial / industrial. In large part, the cost of providing service to a customer class depends on the demand characteristics of that class, e.g. maximum day delivery demands, annual volume used, etc.

In addition, water rate development also considers the fact that not all of ACWWA’s water customers are located in the ACWWPID property taxing area, contractual obligations that ACWWA has with various neighborhoods (Chapparal, Antelope, Foxfield, etc.), and commitments made to the holders of ACWWA’s bond debt.

Finally, the water rate structure reflects ACWWA’s efforts to promote water conservation. The rate structure, commonly called an inclining block, charges more for increased water usage.

In 2016, ACWWA conducted a Cost of Service Study which worked to achieve ACWWA's stated policy, operation, and capital goals, and place ACWWA in the best position to maintain revenue sufficiency. Use the following link to view a full copy of this study: Cost of Service Study

2. How are sewer rates determined?

ACWWA’s sewer rates are formulated using methodologies developed by the Water Environment Federation, a nationally recognized industry group for wastewater industry.

Similar to water rates, the method develops rates based on the cost of providing service to ACWWA’s customer classes (residential and commercial / industrial). Here the cost of providing service depends on the volume of waste discharged to ACWWA’s sewer system, the strength of that waste, and the cost of conducting ACWWA’s Industrial Pretreatment Program. The cost for this EPA-required program is recovered from the commercial / industrial class. ACWWA utilizes "sewer averaging" for its residential customers. In the Spring, after the March bills are issued, ACWWA captures the previous winter's actual consumption for the sewer averaging and that average is what is billed thoughout the summer months. Then in Winter, after the November bills are issued, ACWWA converts to actual consumption for the sewer charges. Sewer charges are meter related and for those customers that do not have a separate irrigation line.

The sewer rate structure also reflects ACWWA’s efforts to promote water efficiency. While customers are charged on the basis of their indoor water usage, they are charged for all water used indoors. So, if less water is used indoors, sewer bills are lower.

3. Why are fixed rates high?

ACWWA’s water and sewer rates both include a fixed monthly charge and a volume charge that varies with metered use. From a cost standpoint, more than 75% of ACWWA’s costs are fixed.

In other words, a major portion of costs do not vary with water demand. Further, a significant part of these costs are for repayment of bonds–funds borrowed by ACWWA to acquire surface water supplies and build treatment facilities for its customers. These repayment obligations must be met and represent a large portion of the fixed charges that appear on monthly water bills.

4. Can ACWWA automatically debit my credit or debit card each month?

Currently, ACWWA is only able to debit your checking or savings account directly using EFT, not your debit or credit card. However, debit / credit cards are accepted using the Online Bill Payment website.

5. Can I set up automatic monthly payments on my account?

Yes, ACWWA does offer monthly automatic debit or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) service to both our residential and commercial customers.

6. How do I start EFT to pay my bill?

Simply download the EFT Form and follow the instructions. Electronic Funds Transfer Form (PDF)

7. How long does it take for EFT to start after I submit my form?

If you submit your form no later than the 15th of the month, your EFT will begin on the 20th of the same month. A letter or email confirmation will be sent verifying EFT set-up.

8. How much will be automatically deducted from my bank account each month?

Our EFT program will automatically deduct your monthly balance due in full as indicated on your monthly bill.

9. If my property is being rented, how do I authorize ACWWA to release account information and copies of the monthly bills to the tenant?

Simply download the Account Authorization Form and follow the instructions. Account Authorization Form (PDF)

10. Is there a fee associated with using your EFT service?

No, EFT service is free to all customers.