As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible resource management, the City of Manvel will transition to a Wastewater Averaging model beginning March 2024. This approach is designed to encourage water conservation and alleviate financial burdens for Manvel Utility Customers.

Wastewater originates from various sources, including garbage disposals, human waste, washing machines, and more. Unlike potable water, wastewater lacks a dedicated meter to measure household contributions accurately. Additionally, the treatment of wastewater is inherently more expensive because of its diverse content – such as food scraps, detergent, and human waste – which contributes to the higher cost of wastewater on customer bills. To alleviate some of this cost, the City began reviewing the Wastewater Averaging model in November 2023.

Wastewater Averaging utilizes customers’ water meter readings during three consecutive winter months – November, December, and January – every year to determine the household’s average usage. This average will then be applied to utility bills as a fixed monthly fee charged to the household over the following year.

For example, if a customer used 3,000 gallons in the first month of averaging (November), 3,000 gallons in the second month (December), and 4,000 gallons in the third month (January), the average would be calculated:

3,000 gallons + 3,000 gallons + 4,000 gallons / 3 MONTHS = 3,333 gallons

This average, 3,333 gallons, will then be applied as a fixed amount to utility bills over the following year.

The City of Manvel calculated customer averages for this cycle over November 2023, December 2023, and January 2024. Manvel Utility Customers can expect to see their household’s fixed amount reflected on their upcoming utility bills. During this period, averaging also took into account severe weather and was adjusted down for any exceptional usage attributed to customers running faucets as a preventative measure against freezing pipes.

Why does Averaging Take Place November, December, and January?

The timing of this Wastewater Averaging coincides with seasonal low water use. This method helps determine the amount of wastewater sent into the sewer system while excluding seasonal activities like irrigation that would not be treated at our facilities. By focusing on low water use months, the City of Manvel can estimate the wastewater volume more accurately, saving customers an estimated $330.00 annually.

Customers benefit from a fixed monthly wastewater fee based on this average, regardless of their water usage during the rest of the year. This ensures stable costs and incentivizes water conservation during the averaging period, ultimately reducing the volume of wastewater billed for each month throughout the year.

The City of Manvel is excited to be transitioning to this new model. Wastewater Averaging provides sustainable water management, environmental protection, and financial savings.

For more information on Wastewater Averaging, contact Utility Billing by email at utilitybilling@cityofmanvel.com or call 281-489-0630 (Ext 2).