Sewer Usage Averaging

Spring has finally come and with the sunny weather and springtime flowers comes the City of Molalla’s annual sewer averaging.

Unlike your monthly water usage charge which is determined by the amount of water you use in a month, wastewater (sewer usage) uses a sewer averaging methodology because measuring your wastewater would be yucky!

The sewer charges on your monthly bill are made up of two components. The Sewer Base charge is currently $56.91 per dwelling unit. Your Sewer Usage charge is determined by taking your average monthly water consumption, measured in cubic feet (CF), for a five-month period between November through March. Water usage during this time of year is primarily inside your residence and after going down the drain, gets treated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Once your average is determined, the Sewer Usage charge is billed at $5.64 per 100CF of usage. Unless there is a rate change which normally occurs in July, this is your fixed Sewer Usage charge until the following April when your sewer average is recalculated. This way you’re not penalized for watering your garden, washing your car, filling a swimming pool and other summertime water usage activities that don’t impact the sewer system.

It’s important to note that if you had high water usage in any of the previous months from November through March due to a broken pipe, running toilet, leaky faucet, etc. that will affect your Sewer Usage charge for the coming year. If you have a question about your Sewer Usage charge, contact the Utility Billing Department at 503-829-5600 or at utilitybilling@cityofmolalla.com.