How Can I Get a Refund on Water that Doesn't Enter the Sewer?
Sewer Charge Refund Meter Program
The purpose of this program is to offer DeKalb Sanitary District users an opportunity to receive a refund of sewer charges for city water used that does not enter sanitary sewers. In general, this would include outside water usage for lawn and garden watering, swimming pools, and ponds, etc
The refund program requires the installation of an additional water meter (hereinafter referred to as “sewer charge refund meter” or simply “refund meter”) to segregate your inside and outside water usage. The refund meter needs to be installed after the city water meter and its output must be used for outdoor purposes (lawns, etc.). Thus, the refund meter measures the amount of water used outside and will provide the District with the required information to issue a refund. (See the diagram below.)
Refund Water Meter Processing Fees
Refund meters are read once each year usually in October or November after the "watering season." A $25.00/year processing fee is associated with this program.
Refund Water Meter Requirementss
The following are requirements for a refund meter installation:
- Obtain a plumbing permit from the City of DeKalb. You can contact the City Of DeKalb at 815-748-2070 for information regarding this permit requirement.
- You can purchase and install the meter and related piping yourself (provided you own and live in the building) or hire a plumber (registered with the city) to do the work. The refund meter must be a specific type (see below).
- After the installation is complete:
- Contact the City of DeKalb at 815 748-2070 so the work can be inspected.
- Contact the District so the beginning (initial) refund meter reading can be taken and the location of the remote reader can be documented.
Refund Water Meter Specifications
The meter must be a Neptune T-10 meter (calibrated in cubic feet) with ProRead remote reading. The most common size is 5/8”x3/4”, but larger sizes are available. Within our area, these meters are available at: Northern Water Works Supply, Inc., 1720 East State Street in DeKalb (815 756-2800).
How Much Will Installation Cost?
Estimated installation costs: A simple installation by a plumber is estimated to cost about $350.00. This would include the costs of the permit, a 5/8” meter and 2 hours of work. Obviously everyone’s situation is unique. Costs will vary depending on the ease of and time required for the installation (a finished vs unfinished basement, for example), the number of outside faucets you wish to connect to the refund meter, size of meter, etc. etc.
How Much Can I Save?
The following information may be useful in determining if it is worth your effort to participate in the refund program. The calculations below are based on the District's rates as of the 11/20/2007 passage of Ordinance #506. These rates are effective January 1, 2008 and payable on bills received in April 2008 and thereafter. This rate applies to refunds after April 2008.
Charges for sewer service are distinct from City of DeKalb water charges. Those charges apply in any case.
The DeKalb Sanitary District charges a quarterly fixed-rate per account user charge of $7.50.
Sewer and water charges are billed by the unit. One unit = 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons. The sewer charge for 1 unit of water is $2.00.
Lawn Watering Example
Some lawn “experts” suggest that established lawns need one inch of water (rain, sprinkler or combination) per week in the summer. One square foot, one inch deep = .623 gallons. A 10,000 sq. ft. lawn watered 1 inch deep = 6,230 gallons. 6,230/748 = 8.33 units. 8.33 units x $2.00 = $16.66 per watering event (sewer charge).
Above Ground Pool Example
An above ground, circular swimming pool, 20 feet in diameter with a 4 foot water depth holds 9,400 gallons or 12.56 units. 12.56 units x $2.00 = $25.12 in sewer charges to fill. Evaporation and filter backwash would require additional makeup water.
At $2.00 per unit, you would need to use 12.5 units (9,350 gallons) to cover the annual $25.00 processing fee.
How Do I Find a Plumber?
The DeKalb Sanitary District cannot recommend plumbers. Call the City of DeKalb Department of Building and Community Services at 748-2070 for a list of plumbers registered to do this work in the City of DeKalb.