Understand Your Sewer Bill

Overview

Do you have questions about the fees on your OUC bill related to sewer services?

The City of Orlando's Water Reclamation division oversees the application of water reclamation charges for residential and commercial properties, that benefit from our sewer system. The sewer charges appear on your OUC bill.

Residential Sewer Fees

These fees became effective on October 1, 2023.

Single Family Homes Within City Limits
Base Fee (Capacity Charge) $23.22
Usage Fee (Commodity Charge) $5.61 per 1,000 gallons (up to 14,000 gallons)
Single Family Homes Outside City Limits
Base Fee (Capacity Charge) $29.03
Usage Fee (Commodity Charge) $7.01 per 1,000 gallons (up to 14,000 gallons)

How is the Monthly Sewer Fee Calculated?

Your monthly sewer fee combines the base fee with the usage fee. The usage fee is based on how much water you use, as seen on your OUC bill.

Example Calculation
Description Amount Result
OUC Monthly Water Use 9,000 gallons
Base Fee $23.22
Usage Fee (per 1,000 gallons) $5.61 x 9 $50.49
Total Monthly Fee $73.71
Flat Rates for Multi-Family Units
Within City Limits
1 Bedroom or Studio $41.58 per unit *
2 or More Bedrooms $50.55 per unit
Outside City Limits
1 Bedroom or Studio $51.94 per unit *
2 or More Bedrooms $63.13 per unit
*Unit types need certification by the property owner. Once certified, these rates apply. No retroactive discounts are provided.

Commercial Sewer Fees

These fees became effective on October 1, 2023.

Commercial Entities Within City Limits
Base Fee (Capacity Charge) Calculated by dividing water usage by 7,000 gallons, rounded to the nearest 0.10, then multiplied by $23.22. Minimum: $23.22.
Usage Fee (Commodity Charge) $5.61 per 1,000 gallons of water usage on current bill
Commercial Entities Outside City Limits
Base Fee (Capacity Charge) Calculated by dividing water usage by 7,000 gallons, rounded to the nearest 0.10, then multiplied by $29.03. Minimum: $29.03.
Usage Fee (Commodity Charge) $7.01 per 1,000 gallons of water usage on current bill

How are Commercial Sewer Fees Calculated?

For commercial entities, the monthly sewer fee is a combination of the base fee (Capacity Charge) and the usage fee (Commodity Charge). The base fee is derived from your total water consumption, as indicated on your OUC bill. Meanwhile, the usage fee is determined by the volume of water you consume, billed per 1,000 gallons.

Example Calculations for Businesses

Inside City Limits
Business & Water Usage Base Fee (Capacity Charge) Usage Fee (Commodity Charge) Total Charge
6,000 gallons $23.22 (minimum) $5.61 x 6 = $33.66 $56.88
30,000 gallons $99.61 $5.61 x 30 = $168.30 $267.91
Outside City Limits
6,000 gallons $29.03 (minimum) $7.01 x 6 = $42.06 $71.09
30,000 gallons $124.54 $7.01 x 30 = $210.30 $334.84

This applies to Commercial, Industrial, and Master Metered multi-family living units. Minimum charges are $22.11 within city limits and $27.65 outside city limits.

Water Leak Credits

Applicability: Both residential and commercial customers.

If you experience a water leak, you can have the sewer charge adjusted to better reflect typical usage. Here's how it works:

  • Report the Leak: Complete a form to report the leak and request a credit.
  • Adjustment: Once verified, we'll adjust your sewer charge accordingly.

Example: If you typically use 5,000 gallons a month but a leak led to a usage of 15,000 gallons, once you report and provide proof of the leak, we'll make necessary adjustments to your bill.

Pool Fill Credits

Applicability: Residential customers.

When you renovate or resurface your pool, you can be eligible for a credit adjustment once a year. Here's what you need to know:

  • Eligibility: You can apply for a pool fill credit once a year.
  • How to Apply: Complete a form to request a credit for the sewer charges.
  • Adjustment: We'll determine the average water consumption during normal usage and adjust your sewer charges back to the standard cost.

Vacancy Credits

Applicability: Residential customers.

If your residence remains vacant for a certain period, you might be eligible for a credit adjustment:

  • Eligibility: You can apply for two vacancy credits per calendar year.
  • Criteria: An electricity usage of 200 KW or less and minimal to no water consumption during the vacancy period.
  • How to Apply: Complete a form to request a credit for the sewer charges.