What is the usage charge based on?

Usage charges for water and sewer come from the amount of water recorded by the customer’s meter. The usage charges are costs for the water supply from the City of Fargo, operating the utility, wastewater treatment, transmission, distribution, collection, pumping, and other operational and environmental variables. 

  • Charges are a volumetric rate per 1,000 gallons of water. 
    • < 20,000 gallons of water is charged at $7.40 per 1,000 gallons.
    • > 20,000 gallons of water is charged at $9.15 per 1,000 gallons.
  • Because it is not feasible to meter sewage, water usage is the basis for sewer charges. Sewer charges max out at 8,000 gallons per month for residential accounts.
    • 8,000 gallons of water is charged at $4.00 per 1,000 gallons.
    • > 8,000 gallons of water is not charged.


Last updated Feb. 10, 2023

Show All Answers

1. What do the rates actually pay for?
2. Why did the rate change?
3. What is a fixed charge?
4. What is the usage charge based on?
5. Why does the City charge a higher usage charge for water usage over 20,000 gallons?
6. Are businesses and apartments subject to the same increases?
7. Will bills go up for those who use the same amount of water?
8. How does the City of West Fargo's water and sewer rates help make watering the lawn affordable?
9. If rates are increasing in February, why might they increase again in 2023?
10. What do West Fargo residents pay in comparison to Fargo residents?
11. How will I be billed if I use the City of West Fargo's sewer system but not the water system?
12. Why does the City of West Fargo use water usage to calculate sewer charges?