Frequently Asked Questions

My bill goes up every month and I use less water, why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill?

For residential customers: your sewer bill is calculated using a “winter average.” Your water consumption between November – April is reviewed each year. We take the lowest reading from this time period and use it to determine your bill for the following year from July 1^st – June 30^th. Conserving water during the winter months will lower your sewer bill for the following fiscal year. For more information, please see Understanding my sewer bill.

For commercial customers: your sewer bill is calculated based on bi-monthly water readings provided by Sweetwater Authority. Implementing water conservation measures can lower your sewer bill.

My neighbor has more people living at his house so why is his bill lower than mine?

Sewer billing is based on water usage in the winter. It’s possible that your neighbor has a lower usage due to a vacation or other event that lowered their water usage during the winter. To lower your sewer bill, consider implementing water conservation measures.

How do you know how much water is going down my drain?

We utilize water meter readings from Sweetwater Authority to calculate your water usage. We take this water meter reading and calculate a rate of return to the sewer system which accounts for some water not returning into the sewer system. The rate of return is provided by our Wastewater Engineering team - 90% for residential customers, 90% for commercial customers, 84% for mobile homes, and 79% for multi-family dwellings.

What is the winter average and why do you use this?

The winter average is a billing method where we take the lowest water consumption during the winter months (November – April) and use this to determine your bill for the entirety of next year. We use the winter average for many reasons which benefit customers:

1. Water usage is generally lower during winter months than summer months. Using the winter usage to determine your summer sewer bill may keep your summer bills low despite increased usage.
2. We take the lowest reading from all winter readings to determine your bill.
3. Using your lowest reading avoids spikes in billing due to leaks, high water usage months, filling a pool, etc.
4. Using the winter average creates a steady billing amount for an entire year which provides consistency for customers.

Why is my bill so high?

Details for how your sewer bill is calculated can be found in Sewer Rates & Billing Information.

I was on vacation all month, but my sewer bill is the same as last month, why?

Your sewer bill is calculated using a “winter average” which is in effect for an entire year (July 1^st-June 30^th). Therefore, any vacations will not have an immediate impact on your sewer bill. If your vacation took place during November – April, you may see the reduction reflected during next year’s billing.

Why is my bill higher at my new home than my previous home in Chula Vista?

When a new sewer account is opened, the default consumption rate of 7 HCF per month is applied to that account. The determination to use 7 HCF is based on mean and median consumption for single-family residential usage. Please see Policy 900-02 for more information. For single family residences, new sewer usages and rates go into effect July 1^st of each year and remain the same until June 30^th of the following year.

I use a lot of water in my pool which does not go to the sewer, so why do I get charged for it when it does not go into the sewer?

The sewer billing policy cannot account for water usage due to a pool. Residents are entitled to apply for a variance account handled through Wastewater Engineering. See the City Municipal Code 13.14.130 for more details regarding variance accounts.

How do I reduce my sewer bill?

For residential customers, practicing water conservation between November – April can result in a reduced sewer bill for the following year. Please be aware that the winter average is only a portion of your bill determination and increases in sewer rates may also increase your bill. For commercial customers, practicing water conservation throughout the year can result in a reduced sewer bill. For more information, see Understanding my sewer bill.

What is the Storm Drain fee?

The storm drain fee is used to maintain the storm drain system. The fee is $0.70 per month for residential customers and $0.06 per HCF for multi-family, commercial, and industrial customers.

What is the Facility Replacement fee?

The facility replacement fee is used to maintain sewer system infrastructure for City of Chula Vista residents. Every customer contributes to the fund through their sewer billing. While you may not see maintenance in front of your residence, our Public Works team may be working further down the sewer line where your wastewater is traveling to.

How do I calculate my bill?

The sewer bill depends on your water usage and the type of customer you are (single family, commercial, etc.). Details are provided in Understanding my sewer bill.

Do you have any discount programs?

Yes, we do have a Reduced Sewer Rate Application for residents who meet certain incomes guidelines. This program is awarded to residents on a first-come, first-served basis until we run out of funding. The program fills very quickly and we encourage residents to apply as early as possible when the application window opens. This is an annual program and applicants must re-apply each year.

I had a leak, will my bill increase?

It is unlikely residential customers with a leak will see an impact on their billing because we use a winter averaging method to determine your bill. However, we recommend contacting Sweetwater Authority for a leak adjustment which can assist you’re your water bill and give our team a more accurate reading. Commercial customers can also contact Sweetwater Authority to request a leak adjustment. Any billing adjustments required due to a leak will be made after Sweetwater Authority provides us the adjusted HCF for your account.

I have a large balance on my sewer account. Do you have a payment plan?

Yes, we do offer a payment plan for past due balances. You can submit an application to our office for consideration. If approved, we will move any past due balances to a separate monthly payment plan split over 18 months with a minimum monthly payment of $25 per month. Customers are still responsible for paying their regular bi-monthly sewer bill in addition to their monthly payment plan bill.

I am moving. How do I close my current account and open a new account?

If you would like to open or close your account, please contact Sweetwater Authority at (619) 420-1413. The City will then send a final closing bill upon notification by Sweetwater Authority that the account is now closed. Any new accounts will receive their first bi-monthly bill through the mail to the mailing address provided to Sweetwater Authority.

I don’t agree with the way the City bills for sewer.

We encourage our customers to provide feedback to our office for consideration in potential changes to our policies. You can submit feedback through email at cvsewer@chulavistaca.gov. We also encourage you to communicate with your City Council member regarding your concerns.