What is winter averaging?

Your water meter measures your monthly water use, but there is no meter on your wastewater line. During the winter months, residential customers use the least amount of water with almost all water usage going directly into the sanitary sewer system, so the metered water usage is a good indicator of wastewater. In the summer months, there is significantly more water usage that does not go into the sanitary sewer system, such as water used watering lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars. Each year we calculate a typical month’s wastewater usage by averaging the winter months and we use that usage as your wastewater volume for billing throughout the remainder of the year. Typically, this results in substantial savings for residents during the summer months.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Utility Billing service window?
2. What are your hours of operation?
3. What is the phone number for a Utility Billing service representative?
4. Can I contact a Utility Billing service representative via email?
5. What are the requirements for starting new water, sewer, garbage and recycling service?
6. Can I have water service without garbage service?
7. If I am not living in my home and not using water or garbage services, can I have a refund?
8. I moved. Why am I still getting a bill?
9. When is my bill due?
10. Where can I pay?
11. What forms of payment do you accept?
12. Can I set up recurring payments?
13. Can I receive my bill via email?
14. Is my meter read every month?
15. Does the City of Bellaire make any leak/pool filling adjustments?
16. Where can I purchase garbage bags?
17. Where can I purchase a recycling bin?
18. What are the City's utility rates?
19. What is winter averaging?
20. I think I may have a leak. How can I tell?
21. Can I get more information about my smart water meter?
22. Can I see my usage online?
23. Can I access my historical utility bills online?
24. Is my utility billing information confidential?
25. Why is my utility bill unusually high this month?