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1. How is my Sewer User Fee calculated?

The Sewer User Fee is recalculated in July of each year and is based on the customer’s average water consumption during the months of October, November, and December of the prior year and February, March, and April of the current year. Each July, residents are mailed notices explaining how the fee is computed. Approximately 93% of our customers are billed by Baton Rouge Water Company. For these customers, the Sewer User Fee is calculated by computing the average water consumption in 100 cubic feet (CCF).  An example of the sewer user fee for customers billed by Baton Rouge Water Company is as follows:

Period	Water Consumption Billed
October 2022	9.0 CCF
November 2022	8.5 CCF
December 2022	7.5 CCF
February 2023	8.0 CCF
March 2023	10.0 CCF
April 2023	10.4 CCF
TOTAL	53.4 CCF
Average (53.4/6 months)	8.9 CCF

The minimum charge for the first 400 cubic feet of average water consumption is $27.52.  Also, there is a charge of $4.79 for each additional 100 cubic feet of average water consumption.  Based on the average consumption of 8.9 CCF, the Sewer User Fee is $50.99 (based on 1/1/2023 effective rates).

Example

Sewer user fee $50.99  =  ((8.9 CCF-4.0 CCF) x $4.79) + $27.52

For new residential customers, the Sewer User Fee is based on the average water consumption of 8.9 CCF. Adjustments are made after three full months of water consumption is available. A credit is issued to customers with water consumption below the average and the monthly Sewer User Fee is adjusted.

For existing residential customers, adjustments to the Sewer User Fee can be made if the average water consumption for the most recent six months is lower than the consumption being billed. Customers may call the Service Fee Business Office at 225-389-5378 to request a review of their account or send an email to financeinternetaccount@brla.gov.

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2. What is the average cost a resident can expect to pay for their monthly sewer bill?

The average monthly sewer user fee is $50.99 based on 8.9 CCF or 6,670 gallons.

3. Is it mandatory for residential customers to tie-in to the sewer system?

Section 14.3 of the Unified Development Code requires that a property owner tie-in to the sewer system if they are within 500 feet of a sewer collection line.

4. My sewer bill increased. Why?

The Sewer User Fee increases by 4% each January per the Sewer User Fee Ordinance, Ordinance 18504 (PDF). Also, in July of each year, your Sewer User Fee is recalculated based on your average water consumption during the months of October, November, and December of the prior year and February, March, and April of the current year. If you feel that your bill is not correct, you may contact the Service Fee Business Office at 225-389-5378 to request a review of your account.

5. My sewer bill is higher than my water bill. Why?

This is usually true. Since 1999, when the rates started increasing, more and more people find that the sewer portion of their bill is higher than their water portion. This is now the case with most customers. The sewer portion of your bill can be reduced when your average water consumption decreases.

6. The amount of water which I am currently using is much less than the amount billed for the sewer user fee. How is this possible?

The amount billed for the Sewer User Fee is not based on the current water consumption stated on your monthly bill. Instead, it is based on the average consumption used during the winter months, which are the lowest water consumption months for most customers. The Sewer User Fee is recalculated in July of each year and is based on the customer's average water consumption during the months of October, November, and December of the prior year and February, March, and April of the current year.

7. My solid waste (garbage) bill increased. Why?

The monthly solid waste fee for East Baton Rouge Parish residents increased beginning March 2023.

The City-Parish has avoided making major changes to this fee structure for years, including keeping fees the same since 2018.  These fees have also been much lower than what residents in other communities pay for similar services.

However, inflation, supply chain issues, and increased costs of fuel and materials have applied significant pressure on costs for contractors to deliver reliable services to residents, which are now reflected in this new fee.

The City-Parish is committed to ensuring residents receive satisfactory services for the fees they pay.  City-Parish officials will be closely monitoring and managing the performance of solid waste contractors to maintain this commitment.

8. My household generates a significant amount of garbage. Can I get an extra cart?

Extra carts are available for an additional $7 per month.  Residents can request an extra cart by calling 311 or using the free Red Stick 311 smartphone app, with the additional fee automatically applied to future water, sewer, and solid waste bills.

9. I have an extra cart and I paid a $60 fee. Will I be charged the monthly extra cart fee?

Yes.  The extra cart fee for garbage and recycling carts is $7 per month per extra cart.  This fee will be charged starting on June 1, 2023.  Please call 311 to request the extra cart to be picked up if you do not want to be charged or do not need the additional cart.  You may also use the Red Stick 311 app or set up an account at 311.brla.gov.

10. My water has been disconnected. Why wasn't I notified before it was disconnected?

You were notified when you received the final notice which stated that your bill had not been paid in 30 days. The final notice included charges for two months and stated that services would be disconnected if payment was not made by the due date. When no payment was received for this second bill, your utilities were disconnected.

11. How do I get my water reconnected?

The total balance due, plus the service charge for reconnection must be paid for water service to be restored.  The total balance due includes charges for the current month and arrears.  Payments must be made in person at the following locations:

• Customers billed by Baton Rouge Water Company:
  • Service Fee Business Office
    1100 Laurel Street
    Suite 234
    Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  • Baton Rouge Water Company
    8755 Goodwood Boulevard
    Baton Rouge, LA 70802
• Customers billed by the City of Zachary:
  • City of Zachary
    4650 Main Street
    Zachary, LA
• Customers billed by the City of Baker:
  • City of Baker
    3325 Groom Road
    Baker, LA

12. I paid my bill, but my water was still disconnected. Why?

The full amount of the arrears must be received by the due date to avoid being disconnected.

13. I received a sewer user fee bill, but I own a private well. Why am I being billed?

If you are connected to the sewer system, you will be billed.

If you are not connected to the sewer system, you should verify that the bill is for garbage and not sewer. The monthly garbage fee is $35.23. All residents in the parish are billed this fee except residents living in the corporate limits of Baker and Zachary.

14. I am being billed sewer and garbage user fees on a home that is vacant. Why?

You will be billed each month as long as the utilities are connected. If there has been zero water consumption during any month, credit can be given on your account for the solid waste fee charged. Credits can also be given for the sewer fee charged if the average consumption during the most recent three-month period is less than the consumption billed. These adjustments are done upon the request of the customer and will only be given every three months.

15. I have a swimming pool (sprinkler system, etc.) and most of my water does not go into the sewer system. Why do I have to pay such high sewer user fee bills?

We use only the months of October, November, December (of preceding year) and February, March, and April (of current year) to calculate the customer's average. Since these types of systems are generally not utilized during winter months, the use of them should not affect your bill.

16. I received a statement back-billing me for sewer and solid waste (garbage) user fees that I was never billed for. Why do I have to pay for the error?

The Sewer User and Solid Waste User Fee Regulations provide that when it is determined that a contributor has not been billed for the sewer user fee or a resident has not been billed for the solid waste user fee (garbage), the City-Parish shall back bill the contributor or resident for such use. Adjustments made under this provision shall be limited to six months.