Water Rates

Since 1908, we have worked hard to provide high-quality drinking water at the lowest possible price. Our water rates have traditionally been much lower than other services, in part because we had ample supplies, stable costs, and predictable demands. That reality is changing and is reflected in our water rates structure.

Our supplies are becoming tighter, our infrastructure is aging and in need of investment, and our costs to provide service are changing. At the same time, it is more important than ever that we all use water more efficiently. Using water efficiently is the least expensive way to keep your rates lower over time. Our 2022 rate structure and price increase will help replace aging pipes, pumps, and plant. These investments make our water system more efficient and help ensure water for the future.

Note that 1 cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons.

The last time our water rates were adjusted was on March 1, 2022.

Residential Water Rates

 

Water rates as of March 1, 2022

Meter size Monthly Base Charge Water Allocated by Cu Ft
3/4-inch $19.78 24,000
1-inch $25.71 40,000
1 1/2-inch $51.43 80,000
2-inch $81.96 128,000
Excess water consumption
Price per 1,000 cubic feet $2.25

Residential Booster Water Rates

Water rates as of March 1, 2022

Meter size Monthly Base Charge Water Allocated by Cu Ft
3/4-inch $26.54 18,000
1-inch $35.42 30,000
1 1/2-inch $63.76 60,000
2-inch $95.12 96,000
Excess water consumption
Price per 1,000 cubic feet $3.00

General Service Water Rates

Water rates as of March 1, 2022

Meter size Monthly Base Charge Water Allocated by Cu Ft
3/4-inch $28.21 24,000
1-inch $34.27 40,000
1 1/2-inch $46.63 80,000
2-inch $55.92 128,000
3-inch $81.43 240,000
4-inch $117.59 400,000
Excess water consumption
Price per 1,000 cubic feet $1.85

General Service Booster Water Rates

Water rates as of March 1, 2022

Meter size Monthly Base Charge Water Allocated by Cu Ft
3/4-inch $33.18 18,000
1-inch $44.07 36,000
1 1/2-inch $51.75 80,000
Excess water consumption
Price per 1,000 cubic feet $3.00

Our rates, including fire hydrant rates and policies, are fully described in our Policy 400 Rates, Charges, Tariffs, and Fees.

The water we provide is pumped from the Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer. We pump water from 10 wells located throughout the district. All the wells are tied together through a pipe system — you may be receiving water from our oldest well, dug by hand in 1908, or our newest well, located at 24th and Adams, which started in 2013. In 2013, Vera Water and Power began full-time chlorination of the water system.