Learn about Wastewater Averaging

Ever wonder how Austin Water calculates how much you are billed for wastewater? This helpful video explains wastewater averaging, how we calculate it and what you can do to make sure you receive the best fixed monthly wastewater rate possible.

Find your Wastewater Averaging Period 

Lock-in the Best Wastewater Rate

Wastewater averaging takes place during the late fall/winter months and coincides with seasonal low water use, when many households naturally cut back on irrigation, filling pools, washing cars, and other outside water uses.

Since your wastewater average is calculated when your water use is typically lowest, you’ll receive the best possible fixed monthly wastewater fee. It won’t go up - regardless of how much water you use the rest of the year.

Wastewater Averaging Calculator

Find your Wastewater Averaging Period 

Remember to do your part, conserve water and lock-in the best wastewater rate possible. Simply cut back on outside water use during your (three-month) wastewater averaging period. 

Wastewater Averaging Period 2023

Billing Cycle Beginning Date End Date
12 11/13/2023 2/13/2024
13 11/15/2023 2/15/2024
14 11/16/2023 2/16/2024
15 11/17/2023 2/17/2024
16 11/19/2023 2/20/2024
17 11/20/2023 2/21/2024
18 11/21/2023 2/22/2024
19 11/23/2023 2/23/2024
20 11/24/2023 2/26/2024
1 11/26/2023 2/27/2024
2 11/27/2023 2/28/2024
3 12/01/2023 3/01/2024
4 12/02/2023 3/04/2024
5 12/03/2023 3/05/2024
6 12/05/2023 3/06/2024
7 12/06/2023 3/07/2024
8 12/07/2023 3/08/2024
9 12/08/2023 3/11/2024
10 12/10/2023 3/12/2024
11 12/12/2023 3/13/2024

Notes: 

  • Dates may be modified slightly if changes to meter read schedules are necessary, e.g. weather conditions.
  • Wastewater average will be based on water consumption for all three months.
  • Months with zero consumption will not be included in the calculations. 
  • More than one month with zero usage results in a default WWA.
  • *Service must be active at least 60 days to qualify for wastewater averaging; otherwise the customer will have a default wastewater average.
  • Residential WWA default is 5,000 gallons. Commercial default - refer to rates schedule.

Residential Customers

To calculate your wastewater average you must have at least 60 consecutive days of water use with a minimum of 100 gallons used per billing period.

If less than 100 gallons is billed for two or more months of the averaging period, the wastewater average will be set at a default of 5,000 gallons.

Non-residential Customers

New non-Residential customers wastewater averaging is determined by:

  • Previous non-residential customer’s wastewater average, or
  • Gallon for gallon

Frequently Asked Questions