Winter Averaging for Residential Wastewater Billing

Your water meter measures all the water that comes into your home, but there is no meter on your wastewater line. Wastewater charges should only reflect the water that goes down the drain into the sewer system, not water used outdoors for things like watering your lawn, washing your car or filling a pool.

Winter averaging looks at your water use during the winter months when outdoor water use is usually low. This gives the City a good estimate of how much water actually enters the sewer system from your home. Using this method ensures that you are only billed for the wastewater you generate, not for water used outdoors.

Winter Averaging Periods and Meter Reads Explained

Winter averaging in Aledo is calculated based on the following three consecutive billing cycles - often referred to as simply "December, January and February":

Billing Cycle Water Usage Period Bill Name
December Nov 15 – Dec 15 January
January Dec 15 – Jan 15 February
February Jan 15 – Feb 15 March


For example:

  • Water used Nov 15 through Dec 15 = December usage → appears on January bill
  • Water used Dec 15 through Jan 15 = January usage → appears on February bill
  • Water used Jan 15 trough Feb 15 = February usage → appears on March bill

The average consumption during these three cycles determines a customer's winter average. This average is re-calculated each year and applied to the April bill that charges for usage between Feb. 15 and March 15. 

Important Note on Meter Read Dates:
  • Meters are scheduled to be read on or about the 15th of each month. To accommodate weekends, holidays, technical issues, and manual reads, the City allows a two-day margin on either side of the 15th.
  • Usage is measured cumulatively, so small variations in the meter read date do not affect the accuracy of your bill.
  • Each month’s billing begins with the prior month’s ending reading, ensuring that customers are never double-billed.
Applying Winter Averaging
  • The Winter Average Consumption is the average water use recorded during the December, January and February billing cycles.
  • Starting with the April bill (which covers March usage), wastewater charges are based on the lower of actual water use or the winter average.
  • Winter averages are recalculated each year.
Tips to Maximize Savings

Residents can manage their wastewater charges by:

  • Monitoring indoor water usage and fixing leaks promptly
  • Reducing outdoor water use during the winter averaging period
  • Refrain from filling swimming pools during the winter averaging period
  • Using My Water Advisor to track near real-time water usage, identify spikes and monitor for leaks

Learn more and set up My Water Advisor here 
 

Questions?

The City of Aledo Utility Billing staff is available to assist with any questions regarding winter averaging or your account. 

We are committed to providing accurate, transparent and fair billing, and we encourage all residents to reach out with questions or concerns.